My Christmas plans have been set for ages: as long as it remains safe to do so, I’ll be wearing a Santa hat in 30C heat, hoovering up my third helping of Christmas turkey in a resort thousands of miles away and washing it all down with a cool, fresh local lager. But if that doesn’t quite go to plan, we’ll be supping Sarah Hughes Brewery’s cheeky festive stout, Snowflake, in the cosy Beacon Hotel in Dudley with friends.
What’s not to love about stout? If you’re fearful, there’s no better time than December to try it, because stouts are available in abundance at this time of year. For me, they need to be imperialstyle: majestically rich, fruity and hearty. Call me old-fashioned, but there’s nothing better than snuggling on the sofa – with your preferred cuddly toy or loved one to hand – during December. For me, sipping a smooth, black beer while watching The Muppet Christmas Carol for the billionth time is just the ticket. Deep Dark from Exale Brewing fits the bill – and believe me, I’ve quaffed many a can of it this year. At 8.6% ABV, ‘intriguing’ is the best description for it. Coffee hits your nose as you pour it, and once on your lips, an earthy but sweet, chewy beer envelops your tongue. Then – akin to the triumphant winners of Strictly – salt and umami rhumba their way around your mouth with abandon. These flavours come courtesy of seaweed from Shore Seaweed in Scotland and crushed oyster shells. With a dry finish, this utterly divine beer is one of my 2021 chart-toppers.
British microbreweries like to have fun and experiment. So, imagine for a moment a couple of those famous chocolate-covered honeycomb bars being lobbed into a blender and liquidised. Then turn that liquid into a beer. Sounds bonkers, but this is how New Bristol Brewery describes one of its best-loved beers: 4% ABV Cinder Toffee Stout. But, this year it’s been supercharged for the holiday period with extra-special ingredients and a higher ABV. Don’t let the 10% ABV Salted Chocolate Bigger Cinder Toffee Stout frighten you, though – feel the fear and do it anyway! This beer packs an addictively sweet punch. My advice is to share a can with your nearest and dearest as a decadent after-dinner treat – and gift some to your beer-loving friends, too.