Though stouts are often perceived as being higher in alcohol content, this
is not usually the case. Sierra Nevada’s Stout is slightly higher than
average at 5.8% by volume. Most beers run about 5%. This stout will actually
improve with age. It is bottle conditioned, and the hops will mellow with
the passage of time. Being the hop lover that I am, I really enjoy the beer
young too.
Sierra Nevada makes stone-ground mustard with this stout that is quite
excellent. I don’t get a lot of the stout character in the mustard, and to
be quite frank I’m not sure that the addition of beer to mustard adds
appreciably to it. The mustard, however, is a far better complement to food
in my opinion than the beer is, which I feel is best enjoyed on it’s own.
That said, a warm soft pretzel slathered with Sierra Nevada Stone Ground
Stout Mustard would probably go well with this brew.
Updated 10/2/2015: I don't see Sierra Nevada Stout nearly enough. But when I do, I drink it. So, when Taco Mac had this beauty of a beer on tap, I was all over it. Exploding with roasted character and bitter hops, it's just a beer you never want to add. And at $5.50 a pint (20-ounce mug for me) it never really has to.
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
(G)=Growler