Celebrate the rest of stout month with Colorado classics or some new brews

By Jay McKinney

There are just 12 days left in stout month. But no need for FOMO. Breweries across the state are tapping new beers and opening their cellars for special releases through the 28th (and beyond). We are excited to sample those upcoming stouts, and we also want to celebrate our favorite Colorado stouts — both new and old.

But first, a little history to share around the bar: The name stout started as a classification of heavier porters, called “stout porters” that were first brewed in England hundreds of years ago. Eventually, they became so popular that they evolved into their own specific style, with variations such as oatmeal stout, dry stout, milk stout and imperial stout.

Regardless of the variation, embrace the dark side and enjoy some stouts, this month or any time.

As always, let us know your thoughts and share your favorites.

Triple-Barrel-Aged Stout (River North Brewery)

Known for its imperial stouts and barrel aged beers, River North Brewery celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special stout release. The triple-barrel-aged stout has been in the works for over a year and goes beyond anything the brewers have ever produced. This stout has tasting notes of roast caramel, toffee, cocoa and oak and packs a punch with a 22.04% ABV!

Arafel (Our Mutual Friend Brewing Company)

An imperial coffee stout named in reference to the science fiction novel and movie “Dune,” Arafel means “cloud of darkness at the end of the universe.” It’s a creative name for this 10% ABV glass of dark deliciousness brewed with Troubadour malt and Novo coffee.

Ski Plane Stout (FlyteCo Brewing)

Through February, the aviation themed FlyteCo Brewing will be offering the Ski Plane Stout on draft. Thanks to the balance of hops and dark and chocolate malt used, the beer is not too dry and not overly sweet. It has a 5.6% ABV and is an easy sipping stout.

Donkey Dark (Jackass Hill Brewery)

This Irish dry stout is the lighter of two stout options brewed by Jackass Hill Brewery. It’s a smooth nitro stout with roasted coffee notes and a dry finish. Those craving something with a little more kick should try the brewery’s Murican Stout.

Yeti Imperial Stout (Great Divide Brewing Company)

Great Divide Brewing Company is recognized by its flagship stout, Yeti. The brewery is always getting innovative with the stout recipe and making seasonal variations, but the original Yeti imperial stout is iconic. It is available year-round along with the Velvet Yeti nitro stout.

Oil Man Imperial stout (Elevation Beer Co.)

The deep black color of this stout sure looks like oil, but the flavor profile is delicious from start to finish. Its bourbon barrel aging is evident, along with hints of coffee and chocolate, making this a great beer to warm up by the fire with or enjoy in Elevation’s taproom with fellow beer lovers.

Milk Stout (Copper Kettle Brewing Co.)

Considered one of the core four beers available at Copper Kettle Brewing Co., this stout is based on a British style and is moderate with a 5.6% ABV. To increase the body and mouthfeel, the brewers add lactose sugar and oats making it a smooth beer whether on draft or straight from the can.

Milk Stout (Left Hand Brewing Co.)

Left Hand Brewing Co. has been known to play around with the stout style, but the flagship Milk Stout will always reign supreme. Aromas of roasted coffee, milk chocolate, brown sugar and vanilla cream are present in this staple of the Colorado craft beer scene.