February Update:
As far as beer goes that I brew I would put Stout really low on the list. This is only further proven by going back in my brew logs and seeing that in fact the last time I brewed one was in October 2018. That batch was a
1910 Fullers Brown Stout that was certainly inspired by Ron Pattinson whom I was following very heavily at the time. While Ron Pattinson is known for being a fan of Stouts he also offers us some insight into how closely related Stouts are to Porters historically;
“In the first half of the 19th century, Whitbread brewery used exactly the same ingredients in all their porters and stouts. The only thing that varied was the amount of water.”
Stout originally didn't mean that the beer was dark in color, rather, it was beefed up in alcohol content. Only later, well into the 1780's, did they begin making Stout Porters that became the marker of this style. More interesting is that the difference between Stout and Porters over time had nothing to do with alcohol content and more to do with the richness of flavors as well as the sub-styles that are derived from these two headline labels.
As far as stouts go some of my favorite styles of stout are the ones that can bring along different complexities of rich toasted flavors as well as subtleties in the sweetness and malty malts and adjuncts. Which leads me to believe that this is why this beer has somewhat fallen out of vogue in a world of endless IPA's, Pilsners and hard seltzer drinks. Stouts are just playing a different game and are not as open to changes in new hop varieties and yeast strains; which make offerings of tropical fruits, melon, citrus, or berry flavors. What stouts do allow for is a basis for other pairings of flavors that can go with the roasty and malty offerings like earthy, woody and dark fruit flavors that can be found in many new and old world hop varieties.
Not that I believe that Stouts have fallen out of vogue with true Craft beer fans and much more so Homebrewers, I think that they have just fallen wayside for a time being while the Barry Bonds of the craft beer scene have their day, playing more the role of Nolan Ryan role; always easy and accessible to those who will entertain the act. How many of us can claim that one of the first 10 beers we brewed was a Stout? Likely, most of us, the style lends itself to being easy to brew and also lending itself as an easy access point for any homebrewer. How are you going to celebrate Stout month? I am not sure I am going to go out and get ingredients to make a 18 gallon batch of stout but rather go pick up some Left Hand brewing Nitro Milk Stout and sit back and enjoy the cascade of frothy creamy bubbles.
Colter, inside of his schedule of selling Menu-Driven technology and flying from Cost-to-Cost like Space Ghost; he is approaching us being banked as a club. As we eagerly approach this milestone as a club we can hopefully then plan on the club paypal and venmo then working correctly. We appreciate the efforts into this venture Colter.
Barrel:
The barrel is getting upset! We have not provided him with a style yet, he will only get more angry with time. Dave, pick a style! We shall brew and then celebrate in a year or two with this amazing beer style that you picked.
Meeting Info:
Where: Chuck's Under the Stairs Speakeasy
Location:
13909 W 59th Dr, Arvada, CO 80004
Date:
2-15-23
Time:
7:00 pm – Beer tastings
Notes:
I think it is supposed to snow so people can just come to the front door. You are welcome to park in the driveway if there is room. We will be meeting in the basement.
RSVP:
Register Beers and RSVP to the meeting here.
View registered beers here.
December Meeting Recap:
This meeting was really calm, which is rare for any drinking event, I give credit to the coolest cucumber in the club, Charles B.
Charles provides a house that is amazing to have meetings at, he provides fresh and amazing beer, he is always chill about everything, and he knows his shit about brewing, and the food is never lacking in this house, those brats were amazing. A big Cheers to Charles for his ongoing efforts and always being a great host to the club.
Attendants:
Cole, Gordon, Chris, Evan , Charles, Slim Evan, Dan, Cody, Ryan, Jim, Chuck, Nathan, Aaron, Evan, Dan
