A Journey to the Dark Side: The Benefits of Stouts and Porters

Nothing beats an ice cold, light brew on scorching summer days. But when the temperature drops, it’s time to shift those taste buds for a more full-bodied, flavorful experience.

Here are a few reasons we love a seasonal excuse to switch to dark brews:

They go great with food

Rich, warming winter foods are the perfect match for dark beer. Northern California’s Old Rasputin Imperial Stout goes best with wild game and roasts, as well as buttery cheeses like Brie and Gouda.

Craving seafood? Deschutes Black Butte Porter lives up to its Pacific Northwest roots, pairing with salmon and steamer clams just as well as it does crêpes and chocolate chip cookies.

If the words “dessert beer” get you excited, try Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout with cheesecake, brownies or a scoop of vanilla ice cream as a float. Or give in to the deliciously malty West Sixth Cocoa Porter, made with organic cacao nibs supplied by Taza Chocolate. The topping on the cake? West Sixth donates $0.50 for every six pack sold to community organizations.

They can taste like breakfast

If you have a thing for breakfast, stouts offer one more opportunity to experience your favorite meal any time of the day. Beer made with the darkest malts can take on the bitter flavor of coffee. Oatmeal stout also takes you back to the breakfast table, as it’s made with up to 30 percent oats. Founders Breakfast Stout, only available from October to December, has an abundance of flaked oats and “an intense fresh-roasted java nose topped with a frothy, cinnamon-colored head that goes forever.” Sounds like the ideal breakfast combo to us.

They can be good for your health 

Are you ready to get scientific? Dark beer is rich in flavonoids – which contain powerful antioxidants that can help protect against diseases. Stouts are also high in vitamin B, preventing the build up of certain harmful amino acids believed to cause heart problems. The homegrown Bluegrass Brewing Company Bourbon Barrel Stout – with notes of vanilla, bourbon and oak – sure is a tasty remedy.

Don’t forget to sign up for our Celebration Members Club to know when we receive exceptional seasonal brews in store.