Falling leaves and brisk morning air can only mean one thing: darker beer. As we transition away from the refreshing lagers and session ales of summer, it’s time to turn towards stout. The iconic dark beer immortalized by the likes of Guinness is as close to comfort food as brews get. The soothing malty flavors greet the shorter days and longer nights rather elegantly.
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Sure, you’d do just find sipping the big brand stouts. But you live in a world that’s never seen so many craft breweries, so we think you should probably do some exploring. There are many, many stout beer brands, but we’re here to narrow things down. Here are the 11 best stout beers to kick that imbibing adventure in gear, just in time for autumn.
Best Breakfast Stout: Founders
This beer from prominent Michigan brewery Founders is a class act. It incorporates all of those delicious, cereal-like flavors, made with flaked oats, chocolate, and coffee. The style may be called breakfast but we find it’s best to crack one just before bed, preferably in front of a fire.
Best Imperial Stout: North Coast Old Rasputin
Inky and decadent, this Russian Imperial Stout from California is as dark as the night sky. It’s full yet balanced, great on its own or with something equally rich like cheesecake.
Best Barrel-Aged: Boulevard Whiskey Barrel Stout
The whole point of the barrel-aged stout is achieving a wine-like beer — a higher alcohol beast with enough character you’d almost want to decant it. This beer from Boulevard exemplifies the style, bold but even-keeled thanks to extended aging in old whiskey barrels. Mocha, vanilla bean, and baking chocolate round out this lovely sipper.
Best Series: Goose Island Bourbon County
One of the most highly anticipated releases every year on the beer calendar involves these outstanding stouts from Goose Island. Whether you’re a collector and ager of beer or simply curious just how layered a good barrel-aged stout can be, these lineup is for you.
Best Oatmeal Stout: Anderson Valley Barney Flats
Oatmeal and stout are mutualistic lovers. The two go hand in hand so if you haven’t tried yet, get to it. This one from Anderson Valley is silky smooth, with a persistent finish that simply goes and goes.
Best Dessert Style: Flying Fish Fried Ice Cream
While sweet, don’t let the name of this beer fool you. It’s a well-rounded drinker, with some cream and cake batter notes but also a nice, beer-like backbone. It’s not even close to cloying, a medium-bodied gem bursting with flavor.
Best Mexican Style Stout: Great Divide Mexican Choco Yeti
This imperial stout pays homage to Mayan and Aztec cuisine. It’s neatly spiced and does well on the table alongside heartier fall fare. It’s meant to mimic a Mexican hot chocolate and it comes with one of the coolest can designs we’ve seen.
Most Approachable: Deschutes Obsidian Stout
This longstanding release out of Oregon gets its name from the resident volcanic rock. It’s dark and robust, while still easy-drinking. It’s no wonder it’s always well reviewed by the beer critics out there.
Best Espresso Stout: Oakshire
It’s tough to picture a better rainy-day drinker than this espresso stout from the Willamette Valley. It’s great with creamy cheeses but we also like it on its own as its brimming with malted goodness.
Best Nitro Stout: Murphy’s
This Irish classic offers the velvety texture that comes with most nitro-style beers. It’s creamy and woodsy, with flickers of espresso and backing chocolate and finishes nice and dry.
Best Peanut Butter Stout: Belching Beaver
An intoxicating beer to say the least, this riff from Belching Beaver is made with rolled oats and drinks like your favorite childhood candy. Enjoy this milk stout on its own or with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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