A B OT TLE O F S U DS …
Stalwart Stouts BY TOM FIRTH PHOTOS BY JASON DZIVER
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’ll freely admit, stouts aren’t my go-to beer for most of the year. Though when the fancy strikes, they certainly hit the spot in a way that many other styles simply can’t. In many ways, the ales known as stouts are the anti-pilsner. A robust, dark beer that takes advantage of roasted barley, to bring to the table - as it were - a toasty, nutty, roasted coffee or chocolate, and at times, a smoky flavour. In many ways, these are the perfect beers to enjoy after a full day outside – whether shoveling snow, a day on the slopes, or just chilling with friends around a bonfire. A year-round treat, that I think tastes best in winter.
Hawk Tail Brewery Rye Milk Stout, Alberta, I’ve actually been to Rimby more than once, but much to my dismay, the brewery opened up since my last visit. I’ll have to get back there soon and see if I can try this from the tap. A big, chewy, spicy/creamy stout full of big flavours but also a wonderful mellowness that stands out from the crowd. On it’s own is fine, but with some beer nuts or a salty snack? Delicious. CSPC +830291 (4 pack cans) $17-19 High River Muddy Tail Stout, Alberta A strong stout coming from High River, there must be something good in the water down there, since this is a fine example of a crushable stout. With about 6 percent ABV, it’s got all the smoky, roasted flavours and aromas you’d want, but carrying with it a fairly light, easy finish. The sort of beer that hits the spot after some sort of snowy excursion. CSPC +825182 (6 pack cans) $15-17 Dark Woods Brewing Burnt Timber Stout, Alberta Hailing from Innisfail, Dark Woods Burnt Timber has all those word represented in this glass, deep and dark with smoky, charred wood aromas, while on the palate, a little woody with a mild, almost resinous note. With a great mouthfeel and a tight finish, it’s a perfect fireside beer, in a mitten-friendly bottle too. CSPC +803512 $16-18
30 Culinaire | January/February 2022
