Top 100 Beers of 2018

#5

96
by Michael Heniff
Nitro Irish Stout
Breckenridge Brewery

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President and Brewmaster Todd Usry Talks Nitro Irish Stout

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
This recipe actually originated in 2017 as a collaboration with Boundary Brewing, a really great brewery out in Ireland. We loved the overseas partnership and the beer it resulted in, but this year we decided to really make it our own. Still inspired by the Irish origins of the style, we took the recipe in-house and added what we like to call a little Colorado spirit.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
I think what sets this beer apart from other nitro dry Irish stouts is the truly notable roasted malt flavor. Our Nitro Irish Stout is smooth and incredibly drinkable, but that doesn’t mean it’s lacking bold character. Those dark roasted malts really embrace your taste buds and you can tell that each batch was crafted with care and expertise. That’s what we were going for, at least.

What makes this beer truly world class?
A few things. One, it’s trueness to style. We feel our Nitro Irish Stout exemplifies exactly what a dry Irish stout was made to taste like. Two, the quality of ingredients. We never skimp on the perfect malt, and with this recipe in particular we labored to source the ideal Irish barley. Three is the Nitro innovation. We spent a lot of time really nailing the widget in our nitro-on-the-go cans to make that smooth draft experience available in cans you can easily pick up at the store. That was important to us. We’ve also taken measures to make sure bar and restaurant owners were educated on the best way to install, manage and pour a great nitro stout. This beer is so perfect for having a few (or more) in your favorite neighborhood bar, and we love providing that for folks.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
That is a tough one. I’d have to say my favorite aspect is how all the elements come together in such a great harmony. The silky mouthfeel from the nitro and the dark roasted flavors from the malts are seriously – excuse my cheesiness – a match made in beer heaven. So, overall, it’s that balance of powerful flavor and easy drinkability that we go for with every beer at Breckenridge Brewery, and this one really nails it.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
We’ve been so happy with the feedback we’re getting on Nitro Irish Stout, especially with the loyal fans. Again, this beer really hits home what Breckenridge beers are all about – something that’s really good to drink, no matter who you are or what you’re doing. It seems like most people agree and we’re excited about that. We’re also hoping the flavor quality and the cool, visual factor of the nitro cascade will introduce this beer, and Breckenridge Brewery, to some new people and make some new loyal fans. That’s what it’s all about, surprising people with good beer and introducing them to more.

Judge’s Second Opinion

This beer is different from other examples within its style due to the way it is served. Carbon dioxide is the most abundant dissolved gas that is found in almost all beer styles. Carbon dioxide is a by-product of fermentation of which some remains soluble in the finished beer. In the kegging, bottling, and canning process, additional carbon dioxide may be added to achieve the desired carbonation level. When the beer is poured, some of the carbon dioxide vaporizes from the beer. As the carbon dioxide vaporizes, the head forms on the beer and other aromatics are scrubbed from the beer to the headspace of the glass, which becomes the aroma. The remaining carbon dioxide in the beer is the carbonation that provides the prickly mouthfeel and adds a slight acidity (carbonic acid) to the flavor.

“Nitro” beers use nitrogen or a combination of nitrogen and carbon dioxide (also called “beer gas”) for serving the beer. Nitrogen is much less soluble in beer than carbon dioxide. When properly poured, the nitrogen vaporizes with very little gas remaining in the beer. In “nitro” beers, the head of the beer is formed, and aromatics are scrubbed into the aroma but the “nitro” leaves little or no “carbonation” in the beer. The result of “nitro” poured beers is a smoother (less bubbly and less acidic) mouthfeel than a similar beer that is conditioned or poured with only carbon dioxide.

Breckenridge Nitro Irish Stout is traditionally smooth and creamy from the lower-than-typical beer carbonation level of “nitro” beers. The beer measures up at 4.8 percent ABV, which is a bit higher than the typical alcohol content for the style but still remains quite sessionable.

What sets Breckenridge Nitro Irish Stout apart from the classic Irish examples is the depth of malt flavor. This stout displays a complex malt profile of roasted, espresso, and dark chocolate over a background of toasted elements, displaying layers of rich malt flavors that are more typical of stronger stouts. Be sure to seek out this flavorful, sessionable stout. – Michael Heniff