For St. Patrick’s Day, You Can’t Beat a Stout
St. Patrick's Day is upon us! Many enjoy this celebration of Irish culture with a beer or two, and we have a few great selections to enjoy the festivities with. It is hard not to think of Guinness or green-colored beer during the festivities. While we do not have any green beer options, we do have Guinness Draught Stout, Ireland (14.9oz can) $2.29 and Guinness Extra Stout (11.2oz bottle) $1.79 (a richer and more robust version of the classic) available. Guinness is the tradition for a reason: its rich, roasted flavor with deep notes of dark chocolate and coffee would certainly warm your bones on a cold March day in Ireland. The roasted barley lends a slightly smoky bitterness, underlined by subtle hints of toffee and caramel. Despite its bold profile, the beer is smooth and creamy; its special nitrogen carbonation creates a velvety mouthfeel. A faint sweetness balances the bitterness, while dark fruit undertones, like dried plum, add complexity. The finish is dry and satisfying, with a lingering, mild bitterness that invites another sip. Guinness Stout is a timeless favorite among stout lovers.
Guinness is the tradition, but if you would like to try something a little different go for Original Pattern Brewing Co. "Top O' The Morning" Dry Irish Stout, California (16oz cans) $4.99. A dark, roasty, and chocolatey Irish-style dry stout that is sure to please any fan of the style! With a smooth, crisp profile with roasted malt flavors of coffee and dark chocolate, the beer is subtly dry beer and lighter in body than Guiness. Hints of toffee and a slight bitterness round out the clean, fresh finish. For something more decadent, try the Original Pattern Brewing Co. "Eternal Abyss" Coffee Cream Stout, California (16oz cans) $4.49, featuring bold coffee flavors paired with creamy smoothness.
Another stout off the beaten path is Jackie O's Brewery "Vanilla and Coffee Bourbon Barrel Dark Apparition " BA Imperial Stout, Ohio (375ml) $15.99. Jackie O’s Brewery in Athens, Ohio, is known for its bold, barrel-aged creations like the Vanilla and Coffee Bourbon Barrel Dark Apparition BA Imperial Stout. This 12% ABV stout is aged in bourbon barrels, infusing it with rich flavors of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a warming bourbon kick. The addition of vanilla smooths the beer’s profile, balancing the bitter coffee with a creamy sweetness. Oakiness from the barrel adds depth, creating a decadent, well-rounded beer. With its robust flavors and velvety mouthfeel, this stout is a treat for lovers of rich, complex brews. If you want to go really big, try their Russian Imperial Stout style Jackie O's Brewery "Dark Apparition" Russian Imperial Stout, Ohio (12 oz. cans) $4.49. Hoppy, spicy, earthy notes balanced by dark roasted fruit and caramel. If that doesn’t warm your bones, nothing will!