According to Brewer’s Association, the traditional Irish stout falls into two categories, depending on alcohol strength. These two style categories include the Classic Irish-Style Dry Stout (think Guinness Draught) and Foreign Export-Style Stout (think Guiness Foreign Extra Stout). Both styles are black in color with prominent coffee-like roasted malt aromas. Each boasts an initial malt sweetness with hints of caramel flavor and distinctively bitter, dry-roasted finish. Classic Irish-Style Dry Stouts have an alcohol range of 3.8-5% abv., while Foreign Export-Style Stouts are between 4.5-7.5% abv.

Here is a list of 10 Wench-approved craft beer substitutions for Guinness, in no particular order. Can’t find any of the beers listed below? Check out RateBeer.com for a great list of Irish-inspired dry stouts. Cheers!

10 Craft Beer Alternatives for Guinness on St. Patrick’s Day

1. Brooklyn Irish Dry Stout

Commercial Description: Brooklyn Irish Stout is brewed the old-fashioned way, without the nitrogen addition. A large portion of the grain is roasted like coffee beans, developing the typical color and flavor of this beer. Aside from British pale malts, the beer includes caramel malts, black patent malt, unmalted black barley and a proportion of flaked raw barley, which helps the beer develop a beautiful, thick natural head. 4.7% abv

2. Moylans Dragoons Dry Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Dry, roasty and incredibly rich in flavor, Dragoons Dry Irish Stout is made with a unique blend of imported hops and malted barley from the United Kingdom. This award winning stout is brewed in the Irish tradition to commemorate General Stephen Moylan, Irish-born commander of the 4th Continental Dragoons during the American Revolutionary War. 8% abv.

3. Boulevard Dry Stout

Commercial Description: Velvety black and perfectly opaque, this surprisingly smooth, drinkable beer is a delightful harmony of smoky roasted flavors and tangy, coffee-like notes. Available only on tap at fine establishments throughout our distribution region. 4.9% abv.

4. Short’s Uncle Stevie Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Short’s version of the classic Irish Stout, complete with a dark color, soft head, and smooth full flavor typical of this lighter bodied style. A simple grist formula provides a base of roasted malt flavors while the infusion of nitrogen adds the creamy drinkability everyone loves. 5.5% abv.

5. Starr Hill Dark Starr Stout

Commercial Description: Starr Hill’s Dark Starr Stout has won more national and international awards than any other Dry Irish Stout in the country. Brewed with roasted barley, and with hints of coffee and dark chocolate, it packs a robust taste into a surprisingly light body. This signature brew pours like velvet and drinks like a slice of grandma’s pumpernickel bread. 5.2% abv.

6. North Coast Old No. #38

Commercial Description: Named for a retired California Western Railroad steam engine on the Fort Bragg to Willits run through the Redwoods, Old No. 38 Stout is a smooth, firm-bodied stout with the toasted character and coffee notes of dark malts and roasted barley. 5.4% abv.

7. Sprecher Irish-style Stout

Commercial Description: This tribute to St. Patrick’s Day is smooth and creamy, with distinctive flavors and aromas reminiscent of bitter-sweet chocolate and dark coffee. Just one precious batch of this robust, ebony colored stout is brewed each year. 5.73% abv

8. Avery Out of Bounds Stout

Commercial Description: This big, roasty stout takes flavor to the extreme. We aren’t afraid to use plenty of rich roasted barley and a mountain of hops to give this full-bodied stout that little extra something you’ve been looking for in a beer. 6.3% abv.

9. Bison Chocolate Stout

Commercial Description: Like Barry White’s voice in a bottle, Bison’s Chocolate Stout is a dark, slow-pouring aphrodisiac of the smoothest proportions. Rich and roasty with charismatic flavors of dark chocolate and espresso, and creamy, dry finish. 5% abv. (Disclaimer: I work for Bison)

10. Saranac Irish Stout

Commercial Description: Deep within the heart of the Irish lies an uncanny passion for what they call “Leann Dubh”, or black ale.  Saranac Irish Stout is a lavish beer blended with dark malts to create a coffee like taste.  Look for a roasted character that is surprisingly smooth and refreshing, pint after pint. 5.5% abv.

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Slainte!

The days have gotten shorter, leaves have changed and fallen, bright blue skies have turned to gray, and any semblance of summer has been lost.

But, as sad as it is to lose the warmth of the sun, the colder months bring with them a change of beer landscape. No longer are people reaching for the crisp and refreshing summer ales and lagers. Instead they are turning to spicy winter seasonals, Imperials of all sorts, big bold Belgians…. and the ever-iconic Stout.

Which brings us to November 8th — the 2nd Annual International Stout Day!

According to its founder, the lovely Erin Peters; International Stout Day is a worldwide celebration of the iconic beer style, Stout. Taking place in homes, pubs, breweries and restaurants; it’s all about celebrating the craft beer revolution, relishing in this beloved beer style, sharing your photos, tasting notes and events with the world.

Originally brewed to be a stronger version of the porter, today’s stouts cover a broad range from dry to sweet to imperial and spiced. It is also one of the styles that benefits most from barrel-aging. Whether you prefer the lighter bodied dry stouts versions, or the viscous and rich Imperial Stouts — there is sure to be a stout for you to celebrate with!

So, how do you celebrate? Well, that part is easy! Locate or host a stout day event near you or invite some friends over and host a stout day event in your home. Join thousands of beer lovers around the world in a collective toast to Stout Day by sharing your tasting notes, experience and love for beer on your preferred social media platforms using the hashtag #StoutDay. Follow the conversation on Twitter by adding a #StoutDay search column to your Tweetdeck or by reading the feed here.

Join me on November 8th, in raising a toast to Stout! CHEERS!

Visit StoutDay.com for more information.

Well kids, call the search off.

I recently stumbled across a Florida start-up that has launched a line of abstract art pieces created using images of various alcoholic beverages shot through a high-powered microscope.

Bevshots MicroArt is technology meets art meets booze. And I think it is freaking brilliant. Absolutely brilliant.

Vodka

In addition to loving all thing alcoholic, I’m also a huge art freak. My parents are fairly avid art collectors and I spent a great deal of my childhood in museums. I love art. I love science. And I love beer.

So naturally, I needed to know more about BevShots MicroArt. Upon further inquiry, the cool cats at BevShots MicroArt were kind enough to pass the official press release about the art collection as well as some thumbnails of the artwork.

Cola

Art, like beer and food, is completely subjective. People look for different things in art and in beer and people have different palates and preferences for both. There is no one right opinion on either. My palate and art preference is not the end all be all.

But having said that, it is my personal opinion that BevShots MicroArt is fantastic. The idea is genius and very well executed. I’ve spent a good deal of time looking through their galleries. I can see this becoming an addiction for me (if you want to know what to send me for Christmas — ding ding ding. We have a winner. Oh, and beer. I will accept beer).

Stout

And without any further ado, here it is the official press release:

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Searching for an unusual gift for that special someone who likes contemporary art, adult beverages and an interesting story?  If so, BevShots may put you in the right holiday spirit.

BevShots MicroArt is a Florida start-up that blends art with adult beverages by putting images of beer, wine and cocktails shot by a high-powered microscope on canvas and gallery-grade paper. The company sells its unique cocktail art on a sophisticated web site, where prices range from $49.99 for a small print on archival paper up to $550 for a large print matted in a deluxe frame or an image on canvas in an elegant floating frame.

Chablis

The full BevShots gallery is comprised of 25 images ranging from tequila to martini, vodka tonic to domestic and imported beers and red, white and sparkling wines, all available as customizable art pieces. No two beverages look alike, with images representing an array of colors and patterns that can fit the décor of any home or office.

“BevShots easily mix with today’s trends in abstract art, but feature a topic we all know and love – alcoholic beverages,” said Hutt. “Those who have seen BevShots are excited to find out what their drink of choice looks like under a microscope and those who haven’t seen BevShots before are interested in the story behind it. We’ve been thrilled by the outpouring of interest from people who want to display personal favorites in their home or office.”

Lager

Hutt is also counting on BevShots’ images finding their way to this year’s holiday gift lists. By offering gift certificates, BevShots.com allows each gift-giver to let their loved one choose their favorite image and customization.

“It’s really the perfect gift for a friend, family member or client who loves art, a drink, an unusual accessory for their home décor and a unique conversation piece.”

But, some find the story behind the art equally engaging.  The history of BevShots is one that blends a scientific discovery with the retail industry.

Back in the 1990s, Michael Davidson, a top microscopist at Florida State University found a creative way to fund his laboratory by selling images of beverages under a microscope to a necktie company. Thus, Molecular Expressions’ Cocktail Collection was born and sold more than five million neckties across the U.S.

Tequila

In 2006, the Florida Board of Governors implemented the State University Research Commercialization Assistance Grant Program. The program’s goal was to increase commercialization of products and technologies that emerge from research taking place at state universities in Florida. Hutt was employed under the grant to research the market for the beverage images.  He believed this endeavor had enormous potential and made a personal investment, purchasing the images and licenses from Florida State and Davidson, lining up printers and frame manufacturers, creating an e-commerce web site and launching a marketing blitz.

Lager

In addition to the full gallery of BevShots available online, owners of iPhones can sample and share the company’s unique images thanks to the new BevShots’ BarHop application.  At $1.99, it provides microscopic images of a dozen drinks in Sports Bar, Pub, Cocktail Lounge and Wine Bar settings.

To learn more – and see all 25 BevShots images – visit www.BevShots.com.  To check out the iPhone app, touch the App Store button on your iPhone and search BevShots or BarHop.

CHEERS!!!

Hailing from a land where beer brewing is almost as regulated as wine making is in France, De Struise Bouwers is turning the heads of craft beer enthusiasts all over the world.

Although the name Struise has roots in the old Flemish word for “ostrich”, it is most commonly used as a contemporary slang term meaning “sturdy” or “tough”. The preferred English translation of De Struise Bouwers is “The Sturdy Brewers.” However, the ostrich aspect to the title also plays an important role in the Struise brand. The owners also manage an ostrich farm in West Flanders and many of their labels feature ostriches.

Founded in 2003 by ambitiously creative homebrewers, De Struise Brouwers has recieved much criticism for its lack of a company brewing plant. Instead, it “hires” brewing facilities to produce its unique concoctions. Struise originally produced beers at the Caulier brewery in northern Hainaut. As of 2006, Struise has been using the Deca brewing facility in Woesten-Vleteren in West Flanders.

According to its annual members’ poll, RateBeer.com declared Struise “the best brewer in the world” for 2008. This feat should not be taken lightly.

Once upon a time, De Struise Brouwers were approached by Chris Lively, the brewery’s good friend and owner of Ebenezer’s pub in Lovell, Maine – which has been named Best Beer Pub on Planet Earth on several occasions. Chris asked the owners at Struise to brew a special beer Ebenezer Pub’s 3rd Annual Belgian Beer Festival.

For this event, De Struise Brouwers refused to brew just any old beer. They were intent on brewing a special ale for their special friends for their special event. And special they created.

Instead of merely creating a new beer, Struise decided to create a completely new style of beer in honor of the event. The result was a BELGIAN ROYAL STOUT, which they named Black Albert – referring to the beer style (blacker than black stout) and to the Belgian Crown (King Albert).

A few nights back I enjoyed an evening of fine beer drinking with some fine friends at Red Light Red Light (my favorite beer bar in Orlando). My good friend Dominick made the excellent decision to purchase a bottle of Black Albert for the group of us to taste. Naturally, I recorded our tasting notes on the BeerPad application on my iPhone.

De Struise Brouwers BLACK ALBERT

“Black Albert was brewed and crafted with a 100% Belgian ingredients. Pours a blacker than black beer with an inch of dark tan head that lingers as it cascades into itself. Nice aroma of bitter-sweet chocolate, fresh torrified coffee beans, barley, candy sugar, complex fruits, and floral hops. At the front, there is spiced baker’s chocolate, fresh mocha, caramel like barley touches, and underlying hints of dried fruits which marries the back of your palate and features a Top, and well integrated but not overbearing hop flavour. The after-taste is well balanced and shows a panorama of extreme sensations like chocolate and coffee bitters, a plum cake richness that covers the palate, and a crisp impression of hop bitters that brings elegance and freshness into this massive brew.”

Style: Belgian Royal Stout

Numbers: 100 IBU (oh hells yes) … 160 EBU (dark as night) … 13% ABV (feel the burn)

Brewery: De Struise Brouwers

Region: Belgium

Pairings: Cheese, Smoked & Dried Meats, Dessert, Game (Venison especially)

Color: Blacker than black with a caramel head.

Carbonation: Moderate carbonation. Small head that dissipates quickly. Virtually no lacing.

Aroma: Rich coffee, dark chocolate, toasted malt, caramelized brown sugar

Mouthfeel: Thick, rich, oily … very heavy. (Lighter fluid anyone?)

Flavor: Dark chocolate, bitter cacao nibs, roasted coffee beans, espresso. Slight astringency. Very bitter.

Finish: Extremely bitter finish (just the way Wenchie likes it)! The alcohol content is extremely noticeable – yet not too overwhelming. Finish is long lasting – like taking a bite of good dark chocolate.

Comments: “Theobroma without the bullshit.” – Glen

“It reminds me of a high-end espresso vodka – uber smooth, yet the alcohol is apparent.” -The Beer Wench

“If I poured this in my gas tank, my car would run.” - The Beer Wench

Following the launch of Black Albert , Chris Lively of Ebenezer’s Pub had the brilliant idea to age some of it in bourbon oak barrels. Originally the plan was to age Black Albert on “Four Roses” bourbon barrels and name the resulting product “Four Black Roses”. The barrel aging experiment was a success, but Struise was strongly advised against using the “Four Black Roses” name for its newest creation.

Before bottling, Struise allowed some professional beer sommeliers to taste the beer from the barrel. These honored few declared the bourbon barrel-aged Black Albert as a work of art. Coincidentally, the only offspring of King Albert is involved in art. And so Struise named its concoction Cuvee Delphine.

Cvuee Delphine’s launch is tentatively scheduled for the end of January 2009. Unfortunately, an export program for Cuvee Delphine is currently nonexistent. According to the label, Struise will be offering Cuvee Delphine via its web shop as well as in some specialty pubs in Belgium.

I would absolutely love to get my hands on this ale … hint hint. I will post additional information as I receive it.

CHEERS!