6 American-Made Craft Stouts You Should Be Drinking in 2016
Fear not the stout’s dark—sometimes deep ebony—color, for approachable, nuanced flavors are drenched within. And forget every big, commercial stout you’ve ever had because we’ve scouted a lineup of the very best America has to offer.
Craft brewers are perfecting the traditional stout and riffing on variations from sea to shining sea. A good, creamy stout is a great option for those who are put off by hoppy beers’ citrusy-bitter tones. Remember, dark doesn’t always translate to heavy—imperial ale can pack more weight than an oatmeal stout.
Here are six of our favorite made-in-America stouts you can find at any good beer distributor (don’t be shy about asking for a special order, too!). We also encourage you to belly up to your local craft brewery bar and sample the draft-fresh beers right in your own backyard.
Deschutes Obsidian Stout (Oregon, ABV 6.4%): This stout is filled with ample sweetness and roasty-coffee hints (though no coffee is used in the brewing process).
Allagash Black (Maine, ABV 7.5%): This Belgian-style stout is reminiscent of abbey ale, boasting a cornucopia of light spice and dried fruit—think clove, raisin and banana—with a dark chocolate finish.
Terrapin Beer Co. Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout (Georgia, ABV 6%): The rich, silky chocolate in this beer comes from cacao nibs, bringing authentic flavors kissed by smoke and sweet.
Firestone Walker Velvet Merlin (California, ABV 5.5%): This fairly traditional brew offers a mysterious combination of creamy yet dry, with notes of chocolate, coffee and smoke.
Otter Creek Brewing Couch Surfer (Vermont, ABV 5.4%): A classic, easy drinking, go-to oatmeal stout showcasing rich roastiness and a bit of smoke.
Spiteful Brewing Mrs. O’Leary’s Chocolate Milk Stout with Raspberry (Illinois, ABV 7%): A berry-infused twist on a powerhouse, with chocolate flavors complementing the malty backbone in this creamy brew with a berry-sweet finish.
Another recommendation: Our Birrateque Stout glass, painstakingly crafted so you get the most from this full-flavored beer style. Its sensual shape allows for a two- to three-finger head to enhance stout’s creamy nature. That partners with our Foam Control System—minute etchings on the glass’ bottom—which creates a fine stream of tiny bubbles to reinvigorate the foamy head. The glass’ chimney ushers more than just beer to the lips; it also transports stout’s heady scent profiles for an inimitable beer-drinking experience.
The entire Luigi Bormioli Birrateque collection is carefully made in conjunction with the prestigious Italian Centro Studi Assaggiatori, international specialists in food and beverage sensory analysis. They shine beautifully thanks to our proprietary SON.hyx, which strengthens while keeping the glass brilliant. SON.hyx also keeps them dishwasher-safe and ultra-clear through 4,000 dishwasher cycles. Like all Luigi Bormioli products made with SON.hyx, they carry a 25-Year Guarantee that guards against chipping on the rim or foot, as well as discoloration or cloudiness resulting from washing. (Did we mention they’re lead-free and eco-friendly, too?)
What’s your favorite stout? Leave a comment and let us know!
Luigi Bormioli, the designer label of glassmaking, is synonymous with Italian Lifestyle. Our proprietary glassware formulas allow for an exciting fusion of elegance and technology. Designed to enhance the tabletop and elevate the entertaining experience, these machine blown glasses are made in Italy, lead-free, durable, have laser cut fine rims, and will maintain their clarity after thousands of dishwashing cycles. You will enjoy their quality, brilliance, and strength for many years to come.