Many people are under the terrible misconception that stouts and darker beers are terribly thick and "strong".  This perception couldn't be further from the truth, and if you want a great example of what a real sessionable stout should taste like, check out my beer of the week: Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout.

True Irish Stouts are actually the lightest, most drinkable beers available... even lower in alcohol and calories than most American "light beers."  The dark color of a stout has nothing to do with it's thickness, but the amount of roasting that's been applied to the malt before the brewing process.  Brooklyn Dry Irish Stout is one of my favorite seasonal beers from Garrett Oliver and the team at Brooklyn Brewery.  Arriving just in time to take advantage of the upcoming St. Patrick's Day festivities, this beer is brewed in a traditional Irish style.

Most of the popular Irish Stouts are pumped with nitrogen to give it that huge, foamy head and smooth, velvety mouthfeel.  Nitrogen doesn't have a "taste" but I can certainly tell when I'm drinking a nitro beer... to me, whatever the process lends to the creaminess of the beer also masks some of the more subtle flavors.  That's why I love Brooklyn's Dry Irish Stout.  Carbonated without Nitrogen, there's nothing to get in the way of those subtle chocolatey and roasted malt flavors.  One sip and you'll know why it's called "dry".  The malt lingers, leaving a very pleasant and complex sweetness.

Pick up a growler this week for %50 off at Half Time in Poughkeepsie and let me know what you think in the comments section below.  I love reading your reviews and suggestions for future beers that I can showcase as my Beer of the Week.  Cheers!

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