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The Library => Haley Center Basement => Topic started by: Ranger12 on October 21, 2008, 05:23:16 PM

Title: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ranger12 on October 21, 2008, 05:23:16 PM
I have recently ventured into the realm of stouts, mostly of the English cream based variety, and I am looking for a good bottled version. The only type I had so far came from a microbrewery out of state, so I can't buy it in the stores here.

I have read some good reviews of Mackeson XXX Stout, so has anybody tried that one? I have also been a Sam Adams guy, but I just found out they have a Cream Stout, but I am not sure if I will have much luck finding it around here either.

Any others you guys can recommend that I can find in North Alabama?

What about Irish stouts compared to English stouts?
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: AWK on October 21, 2008, 06:43:07 PM
NewCastle has a great stout beer, but I'm not sure you can find it over here. 
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Snaggletiger on October 21, 2008, 07:02:18 PM
Newcastle is at the top of my list.  Has been for a while.  That's about as smooth a dark beer as you'll find.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ranger12 on October 21, 2008, 09:05:48 PM
Newcastle sounds familiar. Seems like I found a beer that was either that or bottled by them. I'll have to keep an eye for it. My wife's uncle, who is retired from the State Department, is really big on import beers and is usually able to get his hands on some of the obscure imports, so I am going to have to hit him up for some suggestions also.

I did a little shopping around tonight and had a hell of a time finding what I was looking for. There was plenty or Irish (ie Guinness) and German stouts, which I probably will eventually try also. I finally found the Sam Adams Cream Stout at a Shell Station of all places. I'll let you guys know what I think of it.

Somebody told me that I might not be able to find Mackeson's XXX in Alabama because of its alcohol content. Wasn't there a law passed few months ago that raised the allowable alcohol content of imports that could be sold in the state?
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Aubie16 on October 21, 2008, 10:27:51 PM
It passed the House but the congressional session ran out before it could come up for a vote in the senate. So they have to start over again next session. Sucks.

I don't really care for stouts...but if you need any suggestions on IPA's...let me know.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: D-Day on October 22, 2008, 01:52:03 AM
Excellent topic. Let me just say that anyone still drinking mainstream American beer on a regular basis is a fucking redneck with no taste whatsoever. European is the only way to go. My knowledge of imports is limited to your Guinness, Harp, Newcastle, etc. I'm a heiffe fan myself. I'm going to the UK and Ireland in February and I've been researching the bars over there. A LOT of them, regardless of size, have their own recipes. I'm absolutely giddy. I can't wait to get over there and drink myself into a coma.

Anyone need me to do a recon for them?
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Jumbo on October 22, 2008, 02:43:48 AM
Excellent topic. Let me just say that anyone still drinking mainstream American beer on a regular basis is a fucking redneck with no taste whatsoever. European is the only way to go. My knowledge of imports is limited to your Guinness, Harp, Newcastle, etc. I'm a heiffe fan myself. I'm going to the UK and Ireland in February and I've been researching the bars over there. A LOT of them, regardless of size, have their own recipes. I'm absolutely giddy. I can't wait to get over there and drink myself into a coma.

Anyone need me to do a recon for them?
I have nipples can you milk me Greg?
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on October 22, 2008, 09:09:47 AM
Mackeson XXX Stout is one of my favorites.  Has a sweeter flavor than most stouts and is pretty low in alcohol when you want to have a few (though keep doing that and you will weigh 400#).  Smithwick's makes a really good oatmeal stout.  Keep trying the good stuff and soon you will be leaving the world of Guinness and Beamish behind as they are the English equivalent of Natty Light.  In fact the Guinness here in the states is worse than that.  Basically concentrated Guinness from Canada is added to water to make the Guinness you get in the states.

Irish stouts tend to be lighter bodied and dryer than English.

Soon you will stepping up to the Russian Imperial Stouts like Old Rasputin or Rogue Imperial Stout.  Taste like spiced port.

And for the guy wanting to drink himself into a coma in the UK, the typical English bitter is only about 3-4% alc by volume.

Ranger, you're in Huntsville right?  Great Spirits on the Parkway by the baseball stadium is small but they typically have the best selection in the city.  They typically have lot's of stouts in stock including Mackeson.  Also The Nook (bar) on Bob Wallace has Mackeson available.

http://beeradvocate.com/user/beer_reviews?ba=sammy44 (http://beeradvocate.com/user/beer_reviews?ba=sammy44)
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: wesfau2 on October 22, 2008, 09:54:51 AM
Excellent topic. Let me just say that anyone still drinking mainstream American beer on a regular basis is a fucking redneck with no taste whatsoever. European is the only way to go.

These two statements leave a gaping hole: there is plenty of fine non-mainstream American beer to enjoy.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 22, 2008, 10:09:34 AM
These two statements leave a gaping hole: there is plenty of fine non-mainstream American beer to enjoy.

Plus you don't feel like you have eaten a 5 course meal after you have finished 3 of them. I like New Castles as much as the next guy, but if it is going to be a long day of drinking either watching football or at the beach or lake, I go for the Bud Light. Does that make me a red neck?
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: wesfau2 on October 22, 2008, 10:11:32 AM
Plus you don't feel like you have eaten a 5 course meal after you have finished 3 of them. I like New Castles as much as the next guy, but if it is going to be a long day of drinking either watching football or at the beach or lake, I go for the Bud Light. Does that make me a red neck?

Yes.

Yes, it does.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 22, 2008, 10:32:14 AM
Yes.

Yes, it does.

I had no idea...i guess when I come hang out with you guys and tailgate...you will all be drinking guiness all day...
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on October 22, 2008, 10:48:58 AM
I had no idea...i guess when I come hang out with you guys and tailgate...you will all be drinking guiness all day...

Guinness Draught has 126 calories and is 4% alcohol.  Bud Lite (water) is 110 calories and 4.2% alcohol.  Sounds about the same to me.

Now my personal favorite is Duvel.  According to its website it is around 196 calories and 8.5%.  Best served in a Duvel pimp cup.  Good stuff!

(https://secure5.worldaxxs.net/ssl.ommegang.com/graphics/graphics/00000005/Glass_Duvel.jpg)
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: wesfau2 on October 22, 2008, 10:54:30 AM
I had no idea...i guess when I come hang out with you guys and tailgate...you will all be drinking guiness all day...

Your invite is revoked.  No rednecks.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 22, 2008, 11:41:35 AM
Your invite is revoked.  No rednecks.

Too bad...I know you fuckers hang out at the purplle dumpster...

And I am coming with my wife beater on...

Winch, try to keep your hands off please!
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ogre on October 22, 2008, 11:56:10 AM
Too bad...I know you fuckers hang out at the purplle dumpster...

And I am coming with my wife beater on...

Winch, try to keep your hands off please!

Just make sure you leave the bra at home.  There's nothing like a good set of bitch-titties to get Wes going. 
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: wesfau2 on October 22, 2008, 12:25:16 PM
Too bad...I know you fuckers hang out at the purplle dumpster...


I know where the White House is, but that doesn't mean I'm invited to the next State dinner.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: War Eagle!!! on October 22, 2008, 12:47:19 PM
I know where the White House is, but that doesn't mean I'm invited to the next State dinner.

Rednecks don't need to be invited. We just show up...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9qmpe3eHA&NR=1 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4I9qmpe3eHA&NR=1)
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Saniflush on October 22, 2008, 12:50:23 PM
"Jelly of the month club! Clark that's a gift that just keeps giving all year long."
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Jumbo on October 22, 2008, 02:54:22 PM
"Jelly of the month club! Clark that's a gift that just keeps giving all year long."
The Shitter's full.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Snaggletiger on October 22, 2008, 03:00:01 PM
Guinness Draught has 126 calories and is 4% alcohol.  Bud Lite (water) is 110 calories and 4.2% alcohol.  Sounds about the same to me.

Now my personal favorite is Duvel.  According to its website it is around 196 calories and 8.5%.  Best served in a Duvel pimp cup.  Good stuff!

(https://secure5.worldaxxs.net/ssl.ommegang.com/graphics/graphics/00000005/Glass_Duvel.jpg)


Where does one obtain this elusive, Duvel, of which you speak?  8.5% alcohol content seems a wee bit intriguing.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ranger12 on October 22, 2008, 03:03:04 PM
Mackeson XXX Stout is one of my favorites.  Has a sweeter flavor than most stouts and is pretty low in alcohol when you want to have a few (though keep doing that and you will weigh 400#).  Smithwick's makes a really good oatmeal stout.  Keep trying the good stuff and soon you will be leaving the world of Guinness and Beamish behind as they are the English equivalent of Natty Light.  In fact the Guinness here in the states is worse than that.  Basically concentrated Guinness from Canada is added to water to make the Guinness you get in the states.

Irish stouts tend to be lighter bodied and dryer than English.

Soon you will stepping up to the Russian Imperial Stouts like Old Rasputin or Rogue Imperial Stout.  Taste like spiced port.

And for the guy wanting to drink himself into a coma in the UK, the typical English bitter is only about 3-4% alc by volume.

Ranger, you're in Huntsville right?  Great Spirits on the Parkway by the baseball stadium is small but they typically have the best selection in the city.  They typically have lot's of stouts in stock including Mackeson.  Also The Nook (bar) on Bob Wallace has Mackeson available.

http://beeradvocate.com/user/beer_reviews?ba=sammy44 (http://beeradvocate.com/user/beer_reviews?ba=sammy44)
I had an Imperial Stout recently also, the same day I tried the English Stout. Also tried an IPA. I was in Chattanooga a couple of weekend ago and when we at the Big River Grille and Brewing Works and I tried their beer sampler. Though it was American versions of imports, it was what has now gotten me interested in imports. To be honest, I have never been a big beer drinker. As far as domestic, it has been Sam Adams and I have never had a taste for Bud or Miller, but a few of these particular beers I sampled has gotten my attention. Here is what I sampled to give you and idea (there was also an Octoberfest that I sampled):
http://www.gordonbiersch.com/resources/pdf/feb08_BR_chatt_Beer.pdf (http://www.gordonbiersch.com/resources/pdf/feb08_BR_chatt_Beer.pdf)

I actually live just south of Decatur, but I am in school at UAH and my wife works in Huntsville also. I know the place you are talking about on the Parkway, so I will definetly have to stop by there and check them out to try some Mackesons XXX and see what else they may have.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on October 22, 2008, 03:30:01 PM
Where does one obtain this elusive, Duvel, of which you speak?  8.5% alcohol content seems a wee bit intriguing.

I get mine imported from Atlanta when I make a trip there or when friends come to visit.  If you are after the high alkeehaul stuff I also recommend Chimay Blue (9%), available at Publix in Atlanta.  If you see these words on a beer bottle

Barleywine
Imperial
Dopple
Dubbel
Eisbock
Strong
Tripel
Malt Liquor

you might want to have a designated driver available.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ranger12 on October 22, 2008, 10:48:08 PM
Got a chance to sip on the Sam Adams Cream Stout tonight. Not bad at all. Very similar to what I tried a couple of weeks ago, but has just a little more of a stronger aftertaste.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Thrilla on October 23, 2008, 02:37:56 PM
I get mine imported from Atlanta when I make a trip there or when friends come to visit.  If you are after the high alkeehaul stuff I also recommend Chimay Blue (9%), available at Publix in Atlanta.  If you see these words on a beer bottle

Barleywine
Imperial
Dopple
Dubbel
Eisbock
Strong
Tripel
Malt Liquor

you might want to have a designated driver available.

Now we're getting into the high gravity area of beer, which is different that stouts.  It can get very dangerous when you drink these.  You think to yourself "self, I'll just have the same amount of these that I typically have of my regular beer, and it'll be just fine."  Next thing you know you'll be having butt sex with a homeless person in a dark alley.

But, I digress, and highly recommend purchasing a bottle of "Three Philosophers" if you are going the high gravity route.  Smooth finish without too much bitterness.  Chances are if you like the stouts and want to try something similar, you will make your way to higher gravity beers with a higher APV.

If any of you make it to the Georgia version of Decatur, there is an excellent pub called the Brickstore Pub that has hundreds of high gravity, Belgium beers that taste great and will absolutely fuck you up.  First one's on me, but you're on your own when you start mounting the homeless.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Snaggletiger on October 23, 2008, 03:19:54 PM
Next thing you know.... :rofl:

I freakin' laughed out loud in my office.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: D-Day on October 23, 2008, 03:56:58 PM
You think to yourself "self, I'll just have the same amount of these that I typically have of my regular beer, and it'll be just fine."  Next thing you know you'll be having butt sex with a homeless person in a dark alley.
Yeah, but was it worth it???
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Thrilla on October 23, 2008, 04:58:48 PM
Yeah, but was it worth it???

As with other blackouts....it's always worth it.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: wesfau2 on October 23, 2008, 05:01:43 PM
This thread inspired me to hit my local fancy-pants beer store since our AU club golf tourney was rained out.  By "rained out" I mean that nine holes of 65 degree rain were plenty for me.  Fuck it, I wasn't going to win anyway.

Anywho...

I picked up two Sammy Smith Nut Brown Ales and a sixer of Sweetwater IPA for the game tonight.

I couldn't wait, so I'm having a Sammy now.

Delicious.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: Ranger12 on October 23, 2008, 06:58:44 PM
This thread inspired me to hit my local fancy-pants beer store since our AU club golf tourney was rained out.  By "rained out" I mean that nine holes of 65 degree rain were plenty for me.  Fuck it, I wasn't going to win anyway.

Anywho...

I picked up two Sammy Smith Nut Brown Ales and a sixer of Sweetwater IPA for the game tonight.

I couldn't wait, so I'm having a Sammy now.

Delicious.
I am right there with you by getting a little headstart. Thought I was going to have to miss part of the game tonight because of my son's football practice, but they canceled it because the varsity moved their game from tomorrow night to tonight because of cold and wet weather predicated tomorrow. Wusses.

After classes tomorrow, I am going to snoop around Huntsville and see what all I can find as far as stouts and I may even see what I can find in IPAs also.
Title: Re: Recommedations for a good English stout beer
Post by: AU_Tiger_2000 on October 24, 2008, 02:29:14 PM
Can't go wrong with Bridgeport for a good American IPA or Stout available in Alabama.  Sammy Smith or Smithwick for English.