Stout Season is Almost Here!

As the fall season begins in the Shenandoah Valley, beer lovers can enjoy the crisper weather paired with the roasted malt flavors of stout beers. But what exactly makes a beer a stout and how are they categorized? Read more to find out and hear about our upcoming stout releases!

Unveiling the Stout Spectrum:

Stouts, like many beer styles, have evolved over time to encompass a diverse range of flavors, ingredients, and brewing techniques. While they share a common base of roasted malts that contribute to their dark hue, stouts can be broken down into several sub-styles:

• Classic Stout: This is where it all began. Classic stouts offer a balanced blend of roasted malt flavors, chocolate undertones, and a hint of bitterness. They're not overly heavy and are often the starting point for those new to stouts.
• Dry Stout: Made famous by the iconic Irish stout, dry stouts are known for their smooth texture, lower alcohol content, and pronounced dryness. Notes of roasted coffee and dark chocolate dominate, making them a perfect pairing for hearty meals.
• Imperial Stout: Buckle up for this one. Imperial stouts are bold, rich, and often boast higher alcohol content. Flavors of dark fruits, molasses, and even barrel-aged variations contribute to an intense taste experience that's best savored slowly.
• Oatmeal Stout: Adding oats to the brewing process results in a creamy and smooth texture. Oatmeal stouts offer a milder roasted profile, making them approachable and delightful for those who want a less intense stout experience.
• Milk Stout (Sweet Stout): Lactose, a sugar derived from milk, is added to milk stouts to impart sweetness and body. These stouts often have notes of caramel, toffee, and chocolate, creating a dessert-like experience.
• Foreign Extra Stout: Originating from the United Kingdom, these stouts are stronger and more robust than their classic counterparts. They have an international twist, often showcasing dark fruit flavors and a touch of bitterness.
• American Stout: Putting an American spin on the style, these stouts amplify the hop presence, resulting in a bolder bitterness that complements the roasted malt character. Expect piney and citrusy notes alongside the traditional flavors. 

Speaking of American Stouts, make sure to join us on September 8th at 4pm for the 2023 Night Latch: American Stout 6.6% ABV release! Crafted with crystal & chocolate malts, Night Latch retains the sweet flavors of caramel & chocolate. Cascade and Nugget hops offset this stout’s sweetness while its medium body allows for optimal enjoyment of its exquisite flavors. Paired with a beer-battered fish fry, this release event will be perfect for the whole family to enjoy!

Blonde Stouts are one of the newest additions to the stout family, with the body, mouthfeel, and flavor of a stout, but the color of a blonde ale - these mind bending beers are sure to excite & please! Stable Craft is releasing our first Blonde Stout on November 3rd: Festivus for the Restivus. This holiday themed stout harmonizes the flavors of French Vanilla Coffee, Cacao & Madagascar Vanilla to provide the perfect seasonal beer during the most wonderful time of the year!

We will also be releasing the 2023 Mossy Creek Chocolate Oatmeal Stout 6% ABV on November 22nd. Featuring a subtle roasted quality, complemented by sweet chocolate malts; while the addition of oatmeal adds a smooth, rich body to the beer. This rich & creamy stout is a Stable Craft fan favorite!

Pairing and Enjoyment:

Stouts are incredibly versatile when it comes to food pairing. Their roasted and often rich profiles make them a wonderful match for grilled meats, smoked dishes, and chocolate-based desserts. The carbonation in stouts also helps cleanse the palate between bites, making them excellent companions for hearty meals. We're pairing our American Stout release with Night Latch beer-battered fried fish, Vidalia onion Hickory smoked beans, and Apricot Brown sugar butter glazed corn bread - yum!
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Whether you're a seasoned beer enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of stouts, there's a vast landscape of flavors and experiences waiting to be explored. From the comforting embrace of our well-crafted Chocolate Oatmeal Stout to the intense complexity of Night Latch American Stout, Stable Craft stouts offer a journey that invites you to savor each sip and embrace the artistry of brewing. So, go ahead and raise a glass to stouts – a style that proves that the darkest paths often lead to the most delicious destinations. Cheers!