Diving back into odd selections, this one will throw you for a loop. What is exactly a “gingerbread stout”? I’ve also seen it described as an Imperial Milk Stout. Frankly I couldn’t give two shits – this beer is Christmas in a glass.
Now widely distributed (I pick mine up at the local Trader Joe’s, which in my opinion usually showcases a horrible selection of brews), this is one I recommend to anyone. I would even attempt to get my teetotaler Grandmother to try a taste. This Virginian brewery was the first to attempt a gingerbread stout, and to my knowledge it wasn’t even supposed to become what it is today, as they were just tweaking their imperial porter beer. There is a special type of Hawaiian white ginger used, not native in the country but grown in a farm somewhere in rural Virginia. The same goes for the honey used as well, though not as prominent in the taste.
What separates Christmas Pancakes from their Gingerbread Stout though – it’s re-fermented with maple syrup, in lieu of molasses. What I wish I had more insight on is the malt recipe. I feel like it could use more of a breadiness and I’m curious to know what toasted oats were used. Still – you can find very few stouts in the country that could rival this guy.