My plan to recommend a tasty and potent weizenbock this month fell through, so I have decided to suggest a stout that is so good I drank it for breakfast while camping in September: Breakfast Stout, brewed by the Founders Brewing Company of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Though it may not provide the important nutrition to win six NBA championships, Breakfast Stout was a tasty treat to begin the day. Brewed with Sumatra and Kona coffee, it provided a boost to accompany the fresh sunlight and chirping of birds. (It truly was “the best part of waking up.”) It’s relatively high gravity warmed me on the crisp morning—and also eased my hungry nerves after learning that raccoons had eaten our peanuts and English muffins.
To serve, a pint glass will do (especially if you are camping) but I suggest using a tulip glass or snifter to get the full aromatic effect. The color is opaque black; no light passes through when held to a lamp. One finger of tan head will leave a cappuccino-like lacing and ring around the edge. A couple strong swirls creates a frothy, brown ring that eventually fades to tan again.
It smells like a convenience store or coffee shop on Sunday morning: coffee and hot pastries. The aroma offers a dose of roasted malts reminiscent of espresso, though in no way does it dominate the aroma as it does with other coffee-infused stouts. Dark chocolate and smooth oatmeal provide a nice balance. The taste is a heavenly mélange of roasted malts, dark chocolate and oatmeal. At first the espresso bitterness is balanced by the other flavors, but as the beer continues to warm the espresso kick begins to dominate from sip to swallow.
- Serving temperature: 50-55º F.
- Alcohol content: 8.3 percent ABV
- Food pairings: Beer Advocate recommends buttery cheeses like Brie, Gouda, Havarti, Swiss; chocolate (perhaps Halloween leftovers); and smoked and grilled meat.
- Where to buy: Most area beer retailers will sell it. Breakfast Stout is Founders’ fall and winter seasonal, available from September to February.
- Price: $3 per 12-ounce bottle, $10-12 per four-pack.
—Casey Wagner
