Nothing better during winter time than a nice stout. There’s something just so right about having a stout (or porter) after a cold day on the mountain. Fortunately for those in BC, breweries across the province don’t pull any punches when it comes to winter seasonals, creating a diverse range of stouts and porters that are sure to please any drinker.
Here are just a few that should not be missed:
Main Street Brewing Stag & Pheasant 
Main Street kills it every year with this limited release Imperial Stout. Bonus this year is the bourbon barrel aged Stag & Pheasant that if you are lucky enough to find has a nice balance between smoke and sweet.
Steamworks Imperial Stout
I loved this beer when it first arrived last year (and I’ve cellared it). So I’m happy to say it’s back again this year; aged in Bourbon Barrels, it pours near black with a thick tan head. Aromas of vanilla and oak give way to robust flavours of bourbon and chocolate.
Category 12 Excitation Stout
If you love your stouts with some extra kick, the Excitation Stout is one that is consistently excellent. Enhanced with cold pressed, organic espresso and raw cacao nibs it’s a smooth drinking beer that you’ll want a few of.
Moody Ales Smouldering Smoked Porter
If you’re looking for something a little more on the smokey side, you can’t go wrong with this one from Moody Ales. It’s practically a BBQ in beer form, brewed with copious amounts of beechwood smoked malts & fermented with a clean yeast to really showcase the smokiness. Aromas of wood smoke and bbq, strong tasting notes of malt, umami, with traces of dark rich fruit.
Strathcona Clover All Over
The list wouldn’t be a proper one without the inclusion of an Irish Stout. Clover All Over is made with a base of Maris Otter, 10 selected crystals and roasted malts to create a black ale with subtle notes of coffee and chocolate. Addition of Sarsaparilla bark provides a hint of root beer and the Hull Melon hops produce a mild fruity character while retaining the dry character of a traditional Irish Stout.
Four Winds Diablo Cookie Porter
If you’ve tried the diablo cookie then you know exactly what to expect from this beer. Notes of vanilla, cayenne pepper, ginger and cinnamon in a dark, chocolatey porter…Yum!
Saltspring Island Ales Creme Brûlée Vanilla Stout
Sticking with the dessert theme, here’s one for those that really dig on creme brûlée. Rich flavours of organic ground vanilla combine with roasted barley tones hinting at chocolate and coffee in this flavour packed milk stout. Creamy mouthfeel and a huge aroma complete the sensory experience. Tastes like dessert and packs a punch.
Strange Fellows Boris
Aged in bourbon barrels, Boris packs a punch. Suggestions of dark and dried fruits add complexity and peat smoked barley lends a scotch like nose to an already flavourful, and remarkable beer.
Ale/Sessions 