To celebrate the launch of our brand new Gluten Free Nitro Stout 'Dark Horse' we're here to tell you all about Nitro Stouts, from the taste, differences from your regular stout to exciting events surrounding our new release.
Table of Content
What Is A Nitro Stout?
A Nitro Stout is an Irish style stout infused with a combination of Nitrogen and Carbon dioxide instead of pure carbon dioxide. The purpose of this is the create a velvety, silky smooth beer. As nitrogen bubbles are smaller and less soluble, they create a smoother, less acidic, and less prickly palate experience than traditionally carbonated beer.
Typically, ingredients include water, roasted malted barley, varieties of hops and yeast. The nitrogen is added to the beer after fermentation is complete, specifically during the kegging stage. Nitrogen is never added to the Nitro Stout during the fermentation process, as the yeast would eliminate the nitrogen.
Tasting Notes, ABV and Appearance.
Nitro Stouts have aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Rich malt flavours of espresso, cocoa and toasted barely, all often balanced by a soft bitterness and dry velvety finish.
Typical ABVs for nitro stouts, particularly traditional dry Irish styles, usually sit between 3.9% and 4.3%.
The appearance of a nitro stout is defined by a cascading effect which is always extremely picture worthy. Once settled, it is topped with a thick, dense, creamy foam head. The beer itself is dark, ranging from deep ruby to jet black and typically appears very smooth or opaque.
The Perfect Pour
Pouring a nitro stout is part of the experience. Unlike most beers, you don’t want to pour it with a slow tilt of the glass. Nitro stouts actually benefit from a confident, aggressive pour.
Hold the glass straight under the tap or can. Pour the beer hard down the middle until the glass is about three-quarters full. Then let it settle for a moment and watch the famous cascade effect, those tiny nitrogen bubbles swirling and falling through the beer before rising into that thick, creamy head.
Once it settles, top it off to the rim. The result should be a smooth, velvety stout with a dense foam head.
Our Brand New Gluten Free Nitro Stout!
Introducing our very own brand new gluten free Nitro Stout: Dark Horse.
Everyone loves a pint of the good Irish stuff, which we won't name. But we can tell you that our very first nitro stout gives them one hell of a run for their money. Packed with the classic roasted, chocolatey flavours you'd expect from a stout, but pulling through extra smooth and creamy thanks to the nitro.
Where you can drink Dark Horse?
Be amongst the very first people to sample our brand new gluten-free Nitro Stout at the Crown Pasada in Newcastle on the 8th of May from 11am!
You will also be able to drink Dark Horse in numerous pubs and bars in and around Newcastle in the upcoming months so keep your eyes peeled on our socials.
How is a nitro stout different from a regular stout?
Smooth and creamy with aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. Rich malt flavours of espresso, cocoa and toasted barley are balanced by a gentle bitterness and a dry, velvety finish. Low carbonation from the nitro pour gives it a soft, silky mouthfeel.
Why do nitro stouts have a creamy head?
Nitrogen bubbles are much smaller than carbon dioxide bubbles. These tiny bubbles create a dense, long-lasting foam that gives nitro stouts their signature creamy head.
What foods pair well with nitro stouts?
Nitro stouts pair well with grilled meats, oysters, smoked foods, chocolate desserts, coffee-based desserts and rich cheeses.
What causes the “cascade” effect in nitro stout pours?
The cascade happens when nitrogen bubbles move through the beer after pouring. Tiny bubbles sink along the sides of the glass while larger currents rise in the centre, creating the visual waterfall effect often associated with nitro beers.
Do nitro stouts contain dairy?
Most do not, despite the creamy texture. The smooth mouthfeel comes from nitrogen and malt composition, not milk or cream. However, some specialty stouts may contain lactose, so checking the label is important. However, our Dark Horse nitro stout is vegan and gluten free.
Do nitro stouts taste sweeter?
They can seem sweeter because nitrogen reduces the sharpness and acidity that carbon dioxide can emphasise. However, many contain little or no added sweetness.
