The days are shorter, and the temps are colder. Those sours and saisons that entranced you during the warm-weather months just don’t seem cut out for the job anymore. Even a good New England-style IPA or DIPA can be lacking. Where to turn?
Well, now is the time for those stouts and porters to take their turn at bat; we hooked up with our friends at Stowe Public House and Bottle Shop for a selection of fine Vermont stouts and porters. Check out what we discovered!
Maple Breakfast Stout from 14th Star Brewing Company in St. Albans, Vermont (6.5% ABV) A oatmeal stout made with 100% Vermont maple syrup and Northern Bayou cold-brew coffee. Definite coffee flavors and hints of maple. No much head, but a good bite. See our past review of this brewery.
Appearance: 4.4 | Aroma: 4.3 | Feel: 4.6| Taste: 4.4 | Overall: 4.4
Folk Metal from Burlington Beer Company in Williston, Vermont (6.2% ABV) An oatmeal stout with hints of chocolate. See our past review of this brewery.
Appearance: 4.5 | Aroma: 4.4 | Feel: 4.5| Taste: 4.5 | Overall: 4.5
Long Beards from Foley Brothers Brewing in Brandon, Vermont (6.0% ABV) Pours with a dark, creamy head. Roasted coffee flavors … hint of nuts and finishes with just a touch of hops. See our past review of this brewery.
Appearance: 4.6 | Aroma: 4.4 | Feel: 4.4| Taste: 4.5 | Overall: 4.5
Double Coconut Porter from Bent Hill Brewery in Braintree, Vermont (8.0% ABV) An American Imperial Porter, made with organic coconut roasted right at the brewery … the coconut flavors really shine.
Appearance: 4.5 | Aroma: 4.5 | Feel: 4.6| Taste: 4.6 | Overall: 4.6
Bonus Sample! While at Stowe Public House and Bottle Shop, I tasted the last can of:
* Chili Coconut Cinnamon Stout from Bent Hill Brewery in Braintree, Vermont (5.4% ABV) Aside from the wonder aromas and flavors, the chili gives your tongue a beautiful zing during the aftertaste! A great stout for the winter!
Appearance: 4.5 | Aroma: 4.5 | Feel: 4.6| Taste: 4.8 | Overall: 4.8
The Cicerone says: As you can see from the above, either one of the Bent Hill offerings is wonderful. If you find the Chili Coconut Cinnamon Stout, buy it for later or drink it right away!
* Added to my Favorites List. I am on the look-out for these beers when at a local restaurant, pub, or craft beer store. In this case, the beer is only available on site at the brewery!
Double Coconut Porter and the Chili Coconut Cinnamon Stout all look very amazing.The chili doe sound sort of intimidating, but does it overpower the other flavors at all?
-Follow Kaiju and RJ @pintbottom