National Stout Month: Week 1

As the calendar turned to February, I was reminded that the month is recognized as National Stout Month by beer lovers across the country.  Naturally, I plan on celebrating all month long and bringing you beer reviews of different stouts throughout the month.  Here are three that I tried from week one.  

Odd Side Ale: Rye Hipster Brunch Stout (12.7% ABV)

This coffee stout comes from the creative minds up in Grand Haven, Michigan.  While many people may go to mimosas or bloody marys for the hair of the dog, this is the perfect drink for those that prefer a recovery beer.  The maple syrup and bacon in here really does make you feel like you are having a liquid breakfast.  

Penrose Brewing: Neapolitan Stout (12.5% ABV)

I have enjoyed a lot of the beers from Penrose in the past, so I definitely had to try this dessert beer.  Saugatuck Brewing in Michigan does an outstanding version of the same style of stout which I thoroughly enjoy, so I had to check this one out to see how it holds up.  This was a delicious stout, however, the strawberry notes were so powerful that it was difficult to pick up a lot of the chocolate and vanilla flavors that I was hoping for.  This is a good beer, but for the price I will go back to Saugatuck’s version over this from now on.  

Shortfuse Brewing: Peanut Butter Cup Stout (6.8% ABV)

Shortfuse did an outstanding job of replicating a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in liquid form here.  My favorite Halloween candy coming to life in the form of a stout is something I had tempered expectations for due to the difficulty of making it match the same taste buds.  However, Shortfuse hit it out of the park.  I will add this in to my regular rotation of stouts.  

Tune in for a recap of the beers I tried during week two of #NationalStoutMonth

–Brew Hand Luke