The weather outside may be frightful but inside your mouth (and belly) things can still be delightful. Why? Because today is International Stout Day, which means celebrations and libations are in order. For optimum mouth happiness, test out these five stouts to join in on the day's festivities. 

Right Brain CEO Stout

Voted Michigan's Favorite Stout for two consecutive years, Right Brain Brewery's CEO stout is sure to please. Brewed with chocolate, espresso and oatmeal for the perfect creamy, sweet and dark flavor, CEO Stout is a big and bold flavored American stout. 

5.5% ABV 25 IBU

Rochester Mills Milkshake Stout 

For a brew that is sure to bring all the boys or gals to the yard, Milkshake Stout from Rochester Mills Beer Co. is the go-to stout. Brewed with milk sugar, the dark, full-flavored brew showcases layers of roasted malt complexity with each creamy sip that lingers on a slightly sweet note.  

5% ABV 

Goose Island Muddy Imperial Stout

Inspired by the Chicago Blues scene, Muddy Imperial Stout from Goose Island Brewing Co. blends molasses, brewer's licorice and Belgian rock candi sugar seamlessly together in this brew. The rich and bold stout is perfect for making a statement. 

9% ABV 32 IBU

New Belgium Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout 

For a twist on the classic style, go for Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout, the newest out of the Lips of Faith series from New Belgium Brewing Co. The brew combines a Belgian yeast with chocolate sweetness and sprinkling of salt, which accents the sweetness in this dessert in a glass. 

9% ABV 35 IBU

Oskar Blues TenFidy

A beer big enough for any celebration, Ten Fidy Imperial Stout from Oskar Blues Brewery pours an opaque black, akin to motor oil. The huge brew is full of caramel, chocolate and roasted coffee flavor, with a hefty wallop of hops wrapped in a blanket of smooth malts. 

10.% ABV 98 IBU

St. Patrick’s Day Pairing: Murphy’s Stout and Corned Beef with Cabbage

Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day quite like beef and beer, the food and succor of our (honorary or real) ancestors.

The beer is Murphy’s Irish Stout and the beef is corned beef served up with cabbage. Why do these two go so well together? Well, there’s the historical side of it and then there’s the flavorful aspect, as well.

A great way to start off in creating complementary dishes is to create dishes with ingredients that are sourced from the same region. Grown from the same dirt and acclimated to the same environment, these food items often are mutually complementary. Although corned beef and cabbage may not be considered a completely traditional Irish meal (at least according to articles like this), Murphy’s Stout is known as the rebel stout throughout Ireland. The beer has been a part of Irish culture since 1856 when the Murphy family first started brewing up the liquid. Now, the Irish stout and the American-Irish dish are both synonymous with St. Patrick ’s Day.

Murphy’s shows off the characteristics a true Irish stout with its creamy head and rich black color that is chock full of roasted malt flavor. Available on nitro, it has a light-bodied mouthfeel with little to no carbonation and finishes on a chalky, dry note. These characteristics make it the perfect accompaniment to corned beef and cabbage. The thin mouthfeel of the Irish stout matches the light texture and flavor component of the steamed vegetables. The main attraction – the salty meat – is counterbalanced by the acrid roasted malt flavor and dry finish from the stout. Together, there’s a feast to be had for St. Patrick’s Day.

International Stout Day

What a lovely day to celebrate those dark-hued brews with their delicious malty aromas! Here's an infographic to assist in the Stout Day revelry.

*Stout Cupcake recipe is courtesy of My Baking Addiction.