Glassware: Stouts offer deep rich aromas, but only if they are allowed to warm up close to room temperature. Glassware that will allow the beer to warm quickly and capture the alluring aromas is best suited for Breakfast Stout. If possible a Spiegelau stout glass is perfect, but a snifter or oversized wine glass will do the trick. If you want to have this with breakfast, Founders makes a wonderful Breakfast Stout coffee mug that is the perfect accompaniment.
Description: Founders Breakfast Stout pours a deep black hue with brown head that leaves behind a thin lacing on the glass. The aroma is full of bitter dark chocolate and coffee with hints of sweet cream and earthy hops in the background. The taste is dominated by chocolate upfront with a touch of bitterness that is quickly followed by fresh brewed coffee. Hints of espresso, cocoa with roasted malts, darker fruits, sugar, and vanilla are the dominant flavors within this beer. The full body and moderate mouthfeel are perfect for the style and create an incredibly smooth drink; also there is no hint of the 8.3 percent ABV. While many breweries have stouts in their lineups few have any as delicious as Founders Breakfast Stout, it is an absolute must try for chocoholics and dark beer fans.
Food Pairing: Many have long argued that red wines are the perfect accompaniment for a wide array of desserts, especially those which are chocolate based. Beers like Founders Breakfast Stout push these notions to the side and prove that beer is a far better match for desserts. Breakfast Stout is hefty and full flavored enough to act as a dessert itself, but some of the best food pairings for this beer are with desserts. Try pairing with a decadent death by chocolate cake, there is an endless array of fantastic recipes on the internet and any one of them would be a perfect match. If you are looking to add an extra layer of flavor to the beer try pairing with a creamy vanilla bean cheesecake, the creaminess of the dish will melt into the beer. Another pairing is to make your own beer float. Simply find your favorite ice cream, preferably something vanilla, chocolate, or coffee flavored, and put a scoop or two into the beer.
Many enjoy pairing this beer with a smooth cigar and if you happen to have a Cohiba Esplendido in your humidor you will find a nice pairing with this beer!
The Final Word: Breakfast Stout is a beer that has gained a respectable reputation among craft beer aficionados. Founders has gained a stellar reputation over the years which continues to grow. The brewery expands its core lineup and releases world class experimental batches each year. Many beer drinkers either love or hate dark beers but if you fall into the latter category don’t dismiss the stout style all together instead keep trying to find one that breaks all preconceptions. A great place to start is with Breakfast Stout. It’s perfect for the impending cold winter nights, and it may be another great accompaniment to breakfast!
