Stout Day 2020 is upon us, so we’ve compiled a list of ten fantastic local stouts to try, and where to buy them online (although maybe don’t try them all at once!).
1. Durham Brewery – Temptation
We’re starting big, with the stunning 10% Imperial Russian Stout from Durham Brewery. This beer is so delicious and well-loved that it has its own blog post (thanks to Myles Lambert – check it out here), and its own hashtag, too #TryTemptation.
Available from the Durham Brewery online shop here
2. Alpha Delta X North Brewing Co. – Tartarus
A collaboration with the wonderful North Brewing Co. is never a bad thing, and the team has smashed it with this delicious Oaked Imperial Stout. Weighing in at a hefty 10.5%, it’s thick, chocolatey, and just what’s needed as the colder nights draw in.
Available from the Alpha Delta online store here
3. Caps Off X Hops & Dots Brew Co. – Coffee Vanilla Stout
Caps Off Brewery in Bishop Auckland has teamed up with Hops & Dots Brew Co. from Middlesbrough to release their second collab. stout. Using specialty malts in this milk stout makes for a delicious base to allow the coffee notes to shine through. This tasty 5.3% stout is packed with freshly roasted coffee from Matthew Algie, and the finest vanilla.
Available from the Hops & Dots web shop here
4. S43 Brewery X Brew York – Pumpkin Spice Latte Stout
And now for something a little different in 7.4% can form from S43 Brewery and Brew York. One for all you fans of seasonal beverages…ditch the chain stores and give this a try if you can track it down.
Available while stocks last via the S43 website – or check your nearest bottle shop for stock
5. Steam Machine Brewing Co. – Grand Bazaar Imperial Stout
Continuing with our love of imperial stouts is this 11.6% version from Steam Machine Brewing Co.. Brewed with carob, cardamom, and cinnamon, this imperial sharing bottle is a Turkish taste sensation.
Available from the Steam Machine online store here
6. Cullercoats Brewery – Polly Donkin Stout
This multi award-winning oatmeal stout is a great sessionable option. At 4.2% expect notes of rich roasted coffee, a smooth mouthfeel, with blackberry notes from Bramling Cross, Challenger, Jester and Epic hops.
Available from the Cullercoats Brewery online store here
7. Rigg & Furrow Brewery – Owl Porter
Owls. Everyone is fond of owls. Except for mice and shrews, and Simon Cowells. Ok, ok, we’ll stop. But trust us when we say this 4% roasty toasty porter is delicious…track it down, pronto!
5 litre mini kegs available for click & collect here – or check with your local bottle shop
8. First & Last Brewery – Stell Stout
If you’re a fan of classic stouts, this one’s for you! A 4.3% rich, smooth stout, made by the wonderful First & Last Brewery in Northumberland. Also, check out their great Northumberland Breweries Beer Box if you’re looking to get hold of a range of North East beers all in one place.
Available from the First & Last web shop here
9. Brewis Beer Co. X Mocha Mondo – Coffee Endeavour
We have a confession to make…we don’t drink coffee. However, there’s a caveat to that – we LOVE coffee if it’s in beer form (or in cakes…everything is fine in a cake!). During the lockdown, we’ve been buying a load of Mocha Mondo coffee for friends and relatives, so it’s great to be able to join in the drinking as they’ve teamed up with Brewis Beer Co. for this tasty 6.7% coffee stout.
Buy online via the Brewis Beer Co. webshop here – and if you need some coffee, check out Mocha Mondo here
10. Brinkburn St. Brewery – NE6 Saison Stout
Now we’re not saying we’re biased because we live in NE6, but saison and stout combine two of our favourite things, so this 11% stout is definitely on our beery radar!
Available from the Brinkburn St. Brewery web store here
Looking to check out more local breweries? Click here for our directory of North East breweries, separated by region.
Outside of our region, we’re giving a special mention to the king of stouts (and pouts), Stu at North Riding Brewery – you can usually pick up some bottles at CentrAle in Newcastle’s Central Station (local home delivery available, too).