Burning Sky ~ Baltic Porter 7.4%
The Baltic Porter from Burning Sky features a deep, complex profile, balancing the sweetness of toffee with the nuanced notes of dried fruits. The special blend of lager, Munich, and specialty malts imparts a rich maltiness, while the cold fermentation and extended ageing lend an incredible smoothness and a clean, lightly liquid finish.
Interesting Fact: The Baltic Porter style, historically brewed in countries along the Baltic Sea, distinguishes itself by using lager yeast for fermentation, a practice that imparts a cleaner, smoother profile compared to its ale yeast cousins. This method aligns with the historical trade and influence between these regions and lager-loving countries.
Food Pairing: The rich malt and dried fruit characteristics of this Baltic Porter make it a perfect match with smoked meats or rich stews. For a cheese pairing, try a sharp cheddar to complement its malt depth. The light finish also makes it an exceptional partner for chocolate desserts.
71 Brewing ~ Restoutable 4.5%
71 Brewing’s Restoutable brings the essence of winter in a glass with its warm, cozy blend of plums and holiday spices. The stout's modest ABV allows the flavours to shine without overwhelming, creating a beautifully balanced brew ideal for chilly evenings.
Interesting Fact: The inclusion of spices and plums not only imparts a seasonal flair but also follows a historical tradition where brewers would incorporate local and seasonal ingredients to craft beers that reflected the time of year.
Food Pairing: The spiced and fruity notes of this stout are ideal with baked desserts such as plum tarts or spice cakes. It also pairs well with savoury dishes like roasted duck or pork where its fruity undertones can complement the meat’s richness.
Overtone ~ Obsidian 6.5%
Overtone's Obsidian Milk Stout is as rich and mysterious as the volcanic glass it’s named after. Brewed with Magnum hops, it offers a robust yet smooth bitterness that grounds the dark, luscious notes of barley, wheat, and oats, while the lactose adds a silky sweetness.
Interesting Fact: Obsidian, the namesake of this milk stout, is known for its smooth, glassy texture and sharp edges, qualities that are reflected in the stout’s robust yet refined flavour profile.
Food Pairing: This milk stout's rich texture and balance of bitterness and sweetness pair wonderfully with creamy desserts like panna cotta or cheesecake. Its robust profile also stands up well to grilled red meats.
Unbarred ~ Donut Party 6.3%
The Chocolate Truffle Milk Stout from Unbarred’s Donut Party series is an indulgent affair. Notes of fried donuts, sweet vanilla, and layers of dark and milk chocolates create a decadent, dessert-like experience that is both complex and inviting.
Interesting Fact: The use of actual chocolate in the brewing process enhances the stout's body and adds authentic richness, mimicking the sensation of biting into a chocolate truffle-filled donut.
Food Pairing: The stout’s luxurious chocolate and vanilla notes make it an ideal partner for chocolate-based desserts or a bold blue cheese, which will contrast beautifully with its sweetness.
Full Circle ~ Short Circuit 4.2%
Full Circle's Short Circuit is a model of the classic dry stout, offering an intricate dance of Chinook hops with layers of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. The exclusive use of Chinook hops provides a unique, subtle bitterness that complements the robust malt profile, perfect for savouring.
Interesting Fact: Chinook hops are typically known for their pine and spicy aroma, but in this stout, they are masterfully used to highlight the malt's deep, roasty flavours without overwhelming the palate, a testament to the brewery's innovative approach.
Food Pairing: This stout pairs excellently with shellfish, particularly oysters, where its roasted flavours enhance the briny freshness. It’s also a great companion to rich, chocolatey desserts or a classic Irish stew, enhancing the meaty flavours.
Siren Craft Brew ~ Party In The Dark 4.6%
Siren Craft Brew's Party In The Dark is a silky Nitro Milk Stout, where the velvety texture meets a robust tapestry of expertly roasted coffee and chocolate notes. The high percentage of oats and the addition of lactose build a creamy body that carries the rich espresso flavours delivered by Origin coffee beans.
Interesting Fact: The use of nitrogen in this milk stout not only smooths out the texture but also subtly enhances the aroma and flavours of the coffee and chocolate, creating a more immersive tasting experience.
Food Pairing: The creamy and coffee-rich profile of this stout pairs beautifully with smoked meats or barbecue, where its smoothness will complement the smokiness of the food. For dessert, try it with a tiramisu, where it can play into the coffee and creamy layers.
RedWillow ~ Smokeless 5.7%
RedWillow's Smokeless is a chipotle smoked porter that offers a surprisingly approachable profile with a velvety texture and a robust malt backbone. The cherry-rich smokiness from the chipotles adds a unique layer, while a subtle hint of heat tickles the palate, making it an intriguing winter beverage.
Interesting Fact: The addition of chipotle peppers to this porter introduces a gentle heat and a distinctive smoky flavour, a technique inspired by traditional culinary methods to enhance complexity in the brew.
Food Pairing: This smoked porter is excellent with grilled or roasted vegetables, adding depth to their natural flavours. It’s also ideal for pairing with Mexican dishes like mole or smoked brisket, where its smoky notes and subtle spice can elevate the dish.
Pretty Decent x Mammoth ~ The Mammoth In The Room 5.0%
Pretty Decent x Mammoth's collaboration, The Mammoth In The Room, is a Peanut Butter Chocolate Bueno Stout that bursts with the flavours of hazelnut, chocolate, and a rich peanut butter undertone. It's crafted to mimic the popular candy bar, delivering a nostalgic yet sophisticated flavour profile.
Interesting Fact: This stout cleverly uses allergen-free peanut butter and hazelnut flavourings, making it suitable for those with allergies but still desiring the full, indulgent taste of nut-infused chocolate.
Food Pairing: The rich notes of nutty chocolate make this stout a delightful pair for vanilla ice cream or nutty pastries like pecan pie, where its flavours can intertwine with the sweet and nutty components of the dessert.