St Ives ~ Zennor 5.2% Oatmeal Stout: Nestled along the moody coastline of Zennor, St Ives brewery presents a tantalizing offering in their 5.2% ABV oatmeal stout. Dark malts, oats, wheat, and Phoenix hops converge to craft a sensory journey. Rich chocolate and creamy vanilla dance on the palate, complemented by a lush mouthfeel. Each sip unveils subtle roasted coffee nuances with a touch of sweetness, leaving a lasting impression. The complex malt notes intertwine with burnt toffee and chocolate, culminating in a satisfyingly bitter finish.
Interesting Fact: Oatmeal stouts like Zennor were historically consumed for their perceived health benefits due to the oat content.
Pair this indulgent stout with hearty dishes such as slow-cooked beef stew or creamy mushroom risotto. The robust flavours of the stout harmonize with the umami richness of the dishes, while its creamy texture balances out any richness. For dessert, consider pairing with a decadent chocolate torte or a classic tiramisu to enhance the chocolate and coffee notes of the beer, creating a delightful symphony of flavours on the palate.
Burning Sky ~ Sirius 6.0% Export Stout: Burning Sky's Sirius Export Stout, at 6.0% ABV, offers a contemplative and decadent experience. Lager malt, heritage Barke Munich, rye, and a blend of roasted wheat and malts lay the foundation for this brew. Enhanced with noble hops and a touch of Black Strap molasses, it presents a harmonious blend of flavours. Delve into notes of roasted grains and subtle sweetness, culminating in a deeply satisfying experience.
Interesting Fact: Export stouts like Sirius were historically brewed with higher alcohol content to withstand long journeys overseas.
Pair this Export Stout with bold, savoury dishes such as barbecue ribs or blackened Cajun chicken. The beer's robust flavours complement the charred and smoky elements of the dishes while its moderate sweetness balances out any spice. For a contrasting pairing, try pairing with a rich, creamy blue cheese to accentuate the beer's malt complexity and provide a delightful contrast of flavours on the palate.
Siren Craft Brew ~ The Night Market 6.0% East India Porter: Siren Craft Brew's The Night Market presents a rare delight with its 6.0% East India Porter. This historic style porter marries hearty dark grains with bright, fragrant hops. Aromas of coffee, chocolate, and roastiness mingle with sweet fruits, citrus, and resinous character, creating a complex tapestry of flavours. With hops like Citra, Talus, Sabro, and Nelson Sauvin, this porter offers a truly unique and memorable tasting experience.
Interesting Fact: Porters were the preferred choice of drink for London's street and river porters in the 18th century, thus giving birth to the name.
Pair this East India Porter with dishes that have robust flavours, such as spicy barbecue ribs or blackened Cajun shrimp. The beer's roasted notes complement the charred aspects of the dishes, while its hoppy bitterness contrasts with the richness, providing balance. For dessert, consider pairing with a decadent flourless chocolate cake to enhance the beer's chocolate and roastiness, creating a harmonious finale to the meal.
Hackney Church ~ Squid Pro Quo 5.6% Squid Ink Stout: Ahoy there! From the depths of the ocean emerges Hackney Church's Squid Pro Quo, a 5.6% Squid Ink Stout. Prepare for a sensory adventure with lashings of chocolate and molasses followed by splashes of gooseberry, all culminating in a gentle salinity provided by the elusive squid. This blacker than black stout promises an intriguing and flavourful journey for the palate.
Interesting Fact: Squid ink has been used in culinary traditions around the world for centuries, prized for its unique flavour and striking colour.
Pair this adventurous stout with bold seafood dishes such as grilled octopus or seafood paella. The beer's rich chocolate and molasses flavours complement the seafood's brininess, while its subtle salinity echoes the flavours of the ocean. For a surprising pairing, try pairing with a creamy goat cheese to contrast the beer's richness and enhance its fruity notes, creating a memorable culinary experience.
Atom ~ Tonic Immobility 4.5% Tonka Bean Stout: Atom's Tonic Immobility Stout, at 4.5% ABV, offers a robust experience with bold roasted notes and a mix of caramel malts. Fermented with an English strain and later conditioned on tonka beans, this stout boasts hints of nutmeg, toasted almonds, and earthy woodsy aromas. Each sip invites you into a world of complexity and depth, showcasing the unique flavours imparted by the tonka beans.
Interesting Fact: Tonka beans contain coumarin, a compound also found in vanilla, which contributes to their distinct flavour profile.
Pair this intriguing stout with hearty, earthy dishes such as wild mushroom risotto or slow-cooked lamb shanks. The beer's roasted notes complement the earthiness of the dishes, while its nutmeg and toasted almond undertones enhance the overall flavour profile. For dessert, consider pairing with a rich chocolate tart or tiramisu to amplify the beer's cocoa and nutty characteristics, creating a harmonious finale to the meal.
Fierce ~ Mint Chocolate Moose 4.5% Chocolate Stout: Fierce's Mint Chocolate Moose presents a twist on the classic stout, boasting intertwining flavours of dark chocolate and mint. At 4.5% ABV, this special edition offers a light, velvet-smooth texture with a bittersweet finish. Indulge in the decadent fusion of flavours, reminiscent of after-dinner mints, creating a refreshing and satisfying experience.
Interesting Fact: Mint has been used in brewing for centuries, prized for its aromatic and palate-cleansing properties.
Pair this refreshing stout with desserts such as chocolate brownies or mint chocolate chip ice cream. The beer's bittersweet chocolate and mint flavours complement the richness of the desserts, while its light texture refreshes the palate. For a unique pairing, try pairing with a tangy goat cheese to contrast the beer's sweetness and enhance its minty freshness, creating a delightful balance of flavours on the palate.
Mad Squirrel ~ De La Nut 4.5% Hazelnut Milk Stout: Mad Squirrel's De La Nut is a delightful addition to their “De La Theme” series, offering a smooth and creamy hazelnut milk stout at 4.5% ABV. With added lactose sugar, this stout promises a decadent experience with sweet chocolate and caramel flavours, perfectly complemented by a nutty edge. Indulge in the richness of this brew, reminiscent of a comforting dessert in a glass.
Interesting Fact: Hazelnuts have been used in brewing for centuries, prized for their rich, nutty flavour and aroma.
Pair this luscious stout with desserts such as hazelnut chocolate cake or caramel flan. The beer's sweet chocolate and caramel notes harmonize with the richness of the desserts, while its nutty undertones enhance the overall flavour profile. For a savoury pairing, consider pairing with roasted duck or glazed pork belly to contrast the beer's sweetness and highlight its nutty characteristics, creating a satisfying culinary experience.
71 Brewing ~ Blackness 4.5% Stout: 71 Brewing's Blackness Stout offers a rich and velvety experience at 4.5% ABV, balancing roast malts and chocolate notes for a satisfying brew. Dive into layers of flavour, with the roasted malts imparting depth and complexity, while hints of chocolate add a touch of sweetness to the palate. This stout promises a smooth and indulgent drinking experience with every sip.
Interesting Fact: Stouts like Blackness were historically referred to as "stout porters," with the term "stout" originally denoting a stronger version of the porter style.
Pair this velvety stout with classic comfort foods such as shepherd's pie or grilled cheese sandwiches. The beer's roasted malts complement the savoury elements of the dishes, while its chocolate notes provide a delightful contrast. For dessert, consider pairing with a creamy vanilla ice cream to enhance the beer's chocolate flavours and create a luxurious treat for the palate.