With February just around the corner people are starting to think about Valentines Day. But if you’re a beer enthusiast you can’t help but think of Stouts. Whether you are eagerly awaiting the release of an Oatmeal Stout from your favorite brewery or starting to think about brewing a Stout for St. Patrick’s Day. February might as well be renamed Stoutuary.
So in honor of Stoutuary quickly approaching lets take a quick look into the history of Stouts. The term stout was originally used to describe stronger beers that had a relatively high alcohol content in comparison to the beers of today. So back in the 14th century an ale, pilsner, lager could be described as stout depending on the alcohol content. It wasn’t until the early 1800s that Guiness started brewing a Stout Porter leading to the phasing out of stout as an term to describe the strength of a beer. Eventually, porter was dropped from the name and the style of Stouts we drink today was created.
So in preparation in for Stoutuary and St. Patrick's Day, the day when every one has some Irish in them, start brewing your Stouts now. The rich blend of coffee, chocolate and grain aromas will only improve with time. In fact you can age or cellar you stouts for up to 2 years with out risking off flavors. So Get a jump jump start on Stoutary and St. Patrick's Day with our Original Stout and Irish Stout packages. Or if you feeling a little more ambitious and craving something a bit stronger consider our Best Extra Stout or Stouter Stout.