Modern Flavor Magazine 1/2015 Modern Flavor Magazine 1/2015 | Page 46

right here in the old USA. As stated above, these will be big beers –
8+% and there are examples that eclipse 15%. Many of these are
staple beers, but some breweries consider these to be winter
seasonals.
Of those domestics, here are a few of my favorites: The gold
standard for the style is North Coast’s Old Rasputin. Looking for
strong but sweet? Avery Brewing’s The Czar is for you. Founders
Brewing’s version is fantastic. My favorite domestic is from Oskar
Blues––their Ten Fidy is a 10.5% oak-aged Russian Imperial in a
can. Stone Brewing’s version and Bell’s Expedition Stout are true to
style as well.
There are, of course, variations. Great Divide Brewing’s Yeti, at 10%,
can be found in versions that include Barrel Aged, 3x Barrel Aged,
Oatmeal, Chocolate Oak, and Espresso Oak. Brooklyn Brewery’s
Black Chocolate Stout is sneakily strong and remarkably drinkable
(enough to have gotten me in trouble once with my dear wife Tonya
when this beer knocked me on my butt). Foothills Brewing of
Winston-Salem, North Carolina makes one of the better-rated beers
in the world with their Sexual Chocolate. Also, from my home state is
Pisgah Brewing’s slightly smoky Vortex II.
In conclusion, don’t overbuy. You’ll notice many of these don’t come
in a six-pack for a reason––they will sneak up on you. This will keep
you warm through a winter night, and make you wonder where you
are the next morning. It’s a hefty but enjoyable style. Happy winter!