Beer on the brain

Stouts

Although you wouldn't know it by Austin's weather, it is winter in the northern hemisphere. Winter is the season for stout beers, and many people are afraid to try these beers because they are so dark. A stout is actually made with the same grains as other ales, but with about 15 percent dark roasted malt added for flavor and color. Stouts are best consumed around a temperature of 45 F, which is about eight degrees warmer than what most typical American refrigerators are set to.

Beers in the stout category vary in flavor, alcohol content and texture and "feel" in the mouth. Some people may not know it, but Guinness Draught Stout is one of the lightest dark beers around, with 4.3 percent alcohol and only 126 calories per 12 ounce serving. Don't let that black color fool you; color is not relative to alcohol content. Guinness is known for its creaminess because its effervescence comes from nitrogen rather than the CO2 used in other beers. Nitrogen has smaller bubbles which give that velvety feel.

Many Austin breweries also make stout beers.

Independence Brewing

This brewery produces "Convict Hill Oatmeal Stout" and adds oats to the malt during the production. The oats give a creamy body to the beer and smooth the bitterness. Convict Hill pours a deep black color with a thick, feathery-foam head. There are noticeable aromas of coffee, brown sugar and toffee. Nice flavors of milk chocolate and slight smoky notes can also be tasted. The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 8 percent in this beer, so be sure to drink this one wisely. Independence Brewing Co. won the 2012 Good Foods Award in recognition of the Convict Hill's exceptional quality and the brewery's commitment to sustainability while supporting the Austin community. They were also the only Texas brewery to win a 2012 Good Foods Award. For more information about the brew and where it is available visit independencebrewing.com.

(512) Brewing Company

This microbrewery crafts the "Cascabel Cream Stout," but only as a draft beer. Cascabel's flavor and texture is similar to those of milk stouts. Lactose is added for sweetness and over 20 pounds of Guajillo chilies are added after fermentation to warm you up when the night gets chilly. This beer is rich, creamy and delicious, and at 6 percent ABV could be considered a dessert beer. The Cascabel compares favorably to the nationally recognised Left Hand Brewing Co.'s milk stout. For more information about Cascabel and where it can be found, visit 512brewing.com.

Jester King Craft Company

This local brewery released the "Jester King Black Metal Imperial Stout" as their winter seasonal beer. The imperial stout style of beer is rich and complex, and Black Metal is no exception. At 10 percent ABV, Black Metal is filled with huge flavors of roast, chocolate, burnt malt and alcohol, and it carries a slight hint of leather. For more information on this seasonal brew and where it can be tasted, visit jesterkingbrewery.com.