5 MUST-Try OC Stouts, No Doubt!
Cheers to Stout Season!
It was Summer 2004; I was in Hamburg, Germany, completing an international business study abroad program. I walked into a pub with a buddy of mine who immediately ordered a Guinness Stout. Looking perplexed at the beer menu, unable to read German, or distinguish one style from another, I decided to follow his lead and order a Stout as well. A black, opaque, full-bodied beer, with a tan, creamy, thick head was placed in front of me. With my chin up, chest out, and breath held, acting as if this wasn’t my first rodeo, I grabbed the pint and courageously took a sip. I immediately put the beer down, wiped my beer-stash, and pushed it back toward the bartender, “May I have something lighter?” Fifteen years later and Stouts have become one of my life’s guilty pleasures. What is it about these dark, roasty, full-bodied beers that give a perceived sense of displeasure? Is it the color, the opaqueness, or is it the fact that they just don’t look thirst-quenching? If you’re not yet a fan, and you’re brave enough to step into the dark side, clear your palate for five of OC’s most notable Stouts.
1 | Wall of Sound – Oatmeal Stout
Stereo Brewing made some noise with this one! Wall of Sound is a two-time medal winner at the Great American Beer Festival. Named after Grateful Dead’s 1974, innovative, MEGA PA sound system. This full-bodied, creamy, opaque beauty screams notes of roast and finishes dry! After months of following this beer on Instagram, Wall of Sound was my beer of choice to celebrate passing the Certified Cicerone® exam, and it didn’t disappoint!
Stereo Brewing Co. |950 S. Via Rodeo, Placentia, Ca 92870 | 714-993-3390
2 | There is no Cow Level – Coffee Milk Stout
The game don’t wait –– and Gamecraft understands that all too well! Less than a year after their Grand Opening, There is no Cow Level Imperial Coffee Milk Stout wins Gold at both the California Craft Brewers Cup and the Great American Beer Festival in 2019 for the category of Coffee Beer. Chocolaty, with a velvety-smooth mouthfeel and aroma notes of coffee, this 8.8% ABV Imperial Milk Stout will put you on another level.
Gamecraft Brewing | 23301 Avenida De La Carlota, Suite C, Laguna Hills, Ca 92653 | 949-734-0910
3 | Lil’ Peanut – Peanut Butter Stout
The Beer Co. is one of Orange County’s newest breweries and immediately became my wife’s favorite OC brewery. Open less than three months, their Lil’ Peanut Peanut Butter Stout is already making a BIG name for itself. “It’s one of our best sellers,” said Anne Channels, one of the owners. Lil’ Peanut is black, opaque, full-bodied, with a frothy-thick, persistent, tan head. A delightfully pronounced roasty peanut butter aroma and flavor compliments notes of rich chocolate to create a flavor fusion that emulates a classic peanut butter cup. Lil’ Peanut is a staple at the Beer Co., so if you’re looking for a nostalgic beer that evokes childhood memories, and a brewery with a unique, modern ambiance, stop on by and grab a pint!
The Beer Co. | 3910 E. Coronado St., Unit G, Anaheim, Ca 92807
4 | Black Tuesday – Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout
Black Tuesday is one of The Bruery’s most iconic world-renowned beers. Released annually to their Hoarders Society members, if quantities permit the public has a chance to get their hand on a bottle of this time-tested, decadent, Bourbon Barrel-aged Imperial Stout. This year, The Bruery celebrates their ten-year anniversary with the release of their 2019 version, BT10. The 2019 release is “probably my favorite so far,” said Patrick Rue, Master Cicerone® and founder of The Bruery. This complex, flavor-packed beer has notes of bourbon, vanilla, oak, dark chocolate, and caramel. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on one of these gems, proceed with caution as this Imperial Stout comes in strong at 19.4% ABV. If you’re not careful, Black Tuesday can suddenly become blackout Tuesday.
The Bruery | 717 Dunn Way, Placentia, Ca 92870 | 714-729-2300
5 | The Maple Kind – Pastry Stout
Maple, and Bacon, and Mallows, OH MY!!! Add bacon to anything and I’m in! Brewheim is pushing the limits with this one, but that’s the beauty of craft beer. Delightfully dark and delicious, flavors of bacon, maple, and marshmallow add a layer of complexity to this roasty, chocolaty, goodness. This unique stout is the only beer you’ll need to ring in the start of the fall season. The Maple Kind is a new release and available for a limited time, so grab a pint or two while supplies last. Or grab three crowlers like I did!
Brewheim | 1931 E. Wright Cir., Anaheim, Ca 92860 | 714-453-4346
Steven Miranda – Certified Cicerone®
Photos Provided By: Richard A. Kroening