Recommedations for a good English stout beer

[Ranger12]

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?

[AWK]

NewCastle has a great stout beer, but I'm not sure you can find it over here. 

[Snaggletiger]

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.

[Ranger12]

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?

[Aubie16]

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.

[D-Day]

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?

[Jumbo]

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?

[AU_Tiger_2000]

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

[wesfau2]

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.

[War Eagle!!!]

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?

[wesfau2]

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.

[War Eagle!!!]

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...

[AU_Tiger_2000]

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!

[wesfau2]

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.

[War Eagle!!!]

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!

[Ogre]

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. 

[wesfau2]

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.

[War Eagle!!!]

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...

[Saniflush]

"Jelly of the month club! Clark that's a gift that just keeps giving all year long."

[Jumbo]

"Jelly of the month club! Clark that's a gift that just keeps giving all year long."

The Shitter's full.