A Bottle of Suds

Stalwart Stouts

BY TOM FIRTH PHOTOS BY JASON DZIVER

I’ll freely admit, stouts aren’t my go-to beer for most of the year. Though when the fancy strikes, they certainly hit the spot in a way that many other styles simply can’t.

In many ways, the ales known as stouts are the anti-pilsner. A robust, dark beer that takes advantage of roasted barley, to bring to the table - as it were - a toasty, nutty, roasted coffee or chocolate, and at times, a smoky flavour. In many ways, these are the perfect beers to enjoy after a full day outside – whether shoveling snow, a day on the slopes, or just chilling with friends around a bonfire. A year-round treat, that I think tastes best in winter.

Hawk Tail Brewery Rye Milk Stout, Alberta,

I’ve actually been to Rimby more than once, but much to my dismay, the brewery opened up since my last visit. I’ll have to get back there soon and see if I can try this from the tap. A big, chewy, spicy/creamy stout full of big flavours but also a wonderful mellowness that stands out from the crowd. On it’s own is fine, but with some beer nuts or a salty snack? Delicious. CSPC +830291 (4 pack cans) $17-19

High River Muddy Tail Stout, Alberta

A strong stout coming from High River, there must be something good in the water down there, since this is a fine example of a crushable stout. With about 6 percent ABV, it’s got all the smoky, roasted flavours and aromas you’d want, but carrying with it a fairly light, easy finish. The sort of beer that hits the spot after some sort of snowy excursion. CSPC +825182 (6 pack cans) $15-17

Dark Woods Brewing Burnt Timber Stout, Alberta

Hailing from Innisfail, Dark Woods Burnt Timber has all those word represented in this glass, deep and dark with smoky, charred wood aromas, while on the palate, a little woody with a mild, almost resinous note. With a great mouthfeel and a tight finish, it’s a perfect fireside beer, in a mitten-friendly bottle too. CSPC +803512 $16-18

Stronghold Brewing Interstellar Stout, Alberta

Fort Macleod might be a little far for a day trip, but thankfully it’s available at some finer beer shops and one could always order online… Rich and dark (darker than my coffee) with toffee, smoky, malty characters, the stand out is how smooth and mouth filling this stout is. A fine example that is a shame to rush through, but sip, savour, and enjoy every taste. CSPC +846115 (4 pack cans) $16-18

CR*FT Non-Alcoholic Velvety Stout, Alberta

Once known as Village’s Local Non-Alcoholic Stout, CR*FT, is only missing the alcohol but working hard to keep the stout experience. Nice and dark with all those roasted, chocolatey aromas, it manages to bring the goods with a nice, chewy palate. You might notice the lack of alcohol in regards to the body or mouthfeel, but the flavours are bang on. CSPC +852407 (4 pack cans) $13-14

Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout, Japan

Got to admit, was a little surprised to find a cool little stout coming from Japan, but is it surprising – really! Aptly described as espresso, this beer pulls out all sorts of robust coffee/espresso tones with an almost crema-style mouthfeel and a big, bitter finish. Big, chewy, and really good, this oddity is worth trying. CSPC +740190 330mL bottle $5-6

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