Microbrew in Texas? Why not? It's where brewing legend Pierre
Celis decided to set up shop, after all. While most beer
enthusiasts are quite familiar with the Celis Brewing Company of Austin,
fewer are aware that Houston is home to Saint Arnold, and has been since
1993. That shouldn't come as a surprise, since Saint Arnold's beers are only
available within a limited area of Texas. Truly local beer.
If you're curious why the brewery is named after Saint Arnold, the answer is
rather simple: he's the patron saint of brewers. Born in France in the year
580, Arnold became a Bishop in 612 and is famous for advising his
constituents to drink beer instead of water, since it was pathogen-free,
more than could be said about most water of the time.
St.
Arnold Winter Stout is very dark brown rather than black in color as one
would expect from a stout. A vigorous pour produces roughly 1/4 inch of tan
head. The nose promises licorice and the palate delivers it along with
strong chicory-coffee notes and a fairly good roasty bitterness in the
finish. Body is a bit thinner than I would expect for a stout but otherwise
a drinkable and tasty beer.
Perhaps more of a porter than a stout? Not a beer that will bowl you over
but it's worth trying. I would recommend this beer as an entry level stout,
or for the more experienced beer drinker, as a good first beer for a cold
winter night's drinking.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft