As we delve into February, we must all face a hard truth; stout season is almost over. We all know that a cold brew on a hot summer’s day is hard to beat – but a rich, decadent stout cosied up on the sofa sure comes close.

From classic, dry porters to over-the-top imperial stouts (with ingredient lists that read like a dessert menu) – this tough and cold Winter in particular, we have found great solace in grabbing a blanket and having a dark beer.

So, without further ado, here are our friends at Cambridge Wine Merchants’ favourite Winter stouts – all available for delivery from their branches! (details below).

**Arbor – Midnight Blue £3.90**

To start this list, we thought we had to go classic. Marco Pierre White always says, “keep it simple” – and Midnight Blue by Arbor brewery executes this ethos perfectly. Boasting flavours of dark chocolate, roasted malts and subtle damson, the beer proves that stouts don’t need to taste like your favourite dessert to be fantastic.

**Siren – Caribbean Chocolate Pancake Stack (£4.59)**

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With Pancake day upon us, it felt rude not to include this beauty from Siren. Part of their famed Caribbean Chocolate Cake series, Siren’s Caribbean Chocolate Pancake Stack is a stout reminiscent of spiced pancakes, maple syrup and streaky bacon. Layers of maple syrup and winter spice dominate the palate with subtle aromas of smoked bacon on the finish. This is certainly a beer for all brunch fans, although I’m not sure I can endorse drinking this at 11am (especially with an ABV of 7.4%).

Tynt Meadow – English Trappist Ale (£2.95)

Even though this isn’t a stout, it is still one of our favourite winter beers – and therefore worthy of a place on this list. Tynt Meadow is a Trappist ale, meaning that it is brewed by monks to fund their monastery. The beer is brewed at the Saint Bernard Abbey in Leicestershire – home to the only Trappist brewery in the UK. You can expect rich yet balanced notes of dried dark fruits, cocoa and liquorice. I would highly recommend this beer to Belgian beer fanatics or anyone wanting to try something new.

**Pastore – La Bestia (£13.99**)

Up next, we have a truly unique beer from local heroes, Pastore Brewing. La Bestia is a dark sour beer aged in ex-Cognac barrels. The resulting beer is exciting and bright, with classic stout flavours such as roasted malts and chocolate. This is followed by tart sourness and a wine-like character due to its time spent in ex-cognac barrels. If you like crazy beers that push the boundaries, then this is a must try for you.

**Brew By Numbers – 64 Cherry Trifle Imperial Stout (£4.60**)

Seeing as this is the last beer on the list, we thought it was only fair to finish on a dessert stout. Trifle isn’t our favourite pudding, but all the key flavours mashed together in a chunky imperial stout is a luxurious dream. The palate on Brew By Numbers’ 64 Cherry Trifle Imperial Stout is creamy yet bursting with tart red cherries and striking vanilla. We would argue that this beer is the perfect way to end any evening.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this selection of delicious stouts from Cambridge Wine Merchants. If you would like to get your lips on any of these beautiful beers, then visit them in store, or call/email their team on:

Cherry Hinton Branch:

01223 214548 / cherry@cambridgewine.com

Kings Parade Branch:

01223 309309 / kings@cambridgewine.com

Bridge Street Branch:

01223 568989 / bridge@cambridgewine.com

FREE delivery in/around Cambrigde (on orders over £50). Nationwide delivery is £7.50.

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