stout

Porters and stouts are very dark brews, almost black, with a highly toasted or roasted taste. The malts used are kilned to a darkness resembling burnt toast. The classic examples are made with top-fermenting yeasts of the type used in ales. To the roasty flavors, an ale yeast will add fruitiness. As I understand it porter was the dominant term for dark beers. Brewers would make several strengths, and the fuller-bodied, “stouter” examples gradually became a separate style.

I have sampled many porters, but few have caught my fancy. The exception to this is Sierra Nevada Porter. It is a strong almost bitter porter, very stout-like.

Similar to their porter Sierra Nevada's Stout is bold with a hoppy edge that makes it exceptionally drinkable.

Of course the most famous stout happens to be one of the best, Guinness. Guinness can be enjoyed in two ways; you can purchase Guinness Draught or Extra Stout. The draught products available in cans or bottles use a “widget” to infuse the beer with nitrogen when the seal is popped. Guinness draught is essentially flat until the nitrogen bubbles produce the beautiful creamy head familiar to stout enthusiasts. This type of Guinness has a smooth light character that goes down very easily.

Guinness Extra Stout is the strongest Guinness in taste and has the highest alcohol content. Originally brewed for export to overseas markets such as Africa, it featured higher alcohol and carbonation levels as well as a more hoppy flavor to help the product survive long sea journeys. This strong oaky flavor is maintained at 19th century levels to provide a rich, flavorful drinking experience.

For those who want more from a stout you can take it up a notch by trying an Imperial Stout. My current favorite is Old Rasputin Russian Imperial Stout from the North Coast Brewery. Contrary to what the name suggests, Russian Imperial Stout was originally brewed in 18th Century England. The name evolved as the Russian Imperial Court developed an early appreciation for this big, intense brew and provided a ready and eager export market. It is a very strong ale you purchase in four packs, because you really don't need six of these.