Lead Dog Brewing is owned by Randy Bednar and Matt Muhlbaier. Both Randy and Matt have a deep love for craft beer and an entrepreneurial spirit, which drove them to open Lead Dog Brewing in the historic Midtown district of Reno, Nevada back in 2014.
Randy and Matt had been friends since high school and decided to join forces to build a brewery that produced well-crafted beer in an atmosphere that was inviting for their customers.
Since their launch, Lead Dog Brewing has grown to become a favorite amongst local craft beer lovers. Their taproom features a rotating selection of beers, including IPAs, stouts, lagers, and more. They take pride in their wide selection of beers and are committed to creating an excellent customer experience with every visit.
Randy and Matt have always loved the idea of creating a welcoming space in Midtown Reno and they are thrilled that their efforts have paid off – Lead Dog Brewing is now a staple of the area!
Who owns Retriever Brewing Company?
Retriever Brewing Company is owned by Anthony McQuillan and John Mallett. The two entrepreneurs started the company in 2015 and have grown it to a well-known brewer in the Roanoke valley. Both McQuillan and Mallett are passionate about making beer, but also understand the importance of creating a great atmosphere for their customers.
The taproom at Retriever Brewing Co. hosts many events throughout the year, highlighting their commitment to providing a great experience for customers. From beer tastings to food truck takeovers, and live music events, there’s always something fun happening to give their customers the chance to try new beers and connect with other local beer lovers.
The taproom is also designed to be a place where people can relax and enjoy a beer with friends and family. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, catering to craft beer connoisseurs and casual beer drinkers alike.
In July 2017, Mallett and McQuillan opened a new 12,000-square-foot production facility to serve the growing demand for Retriever Brewing Co. ’s craft beers. Today, their beers are distributed throughout Virginia and in several other states.
What does Imperial Stout taste like?
Imperial stouts are a type of dark beer that can be quite intense and flavorful with a wide range of aromas and tastes. They are known for having an intense roasted malt profile, with hints of dark chocolate, coffee, caramel, dried fruits, anise and licorice.
Imperial stouts also typically have a fuller body and higher alcohol content than other dark beers. When pouring, a dense dark foam that lasts for a while is usually expected. In terms of flavor, Imperial stouts are often described as being very bold and intense, with prominent notes of coffee and dark chocolate.
They usually have a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and a pleasant bitterness. When aged, flavors of vanilla, caramel, raisin and fig can be present, resulting in an even more complex and unique beer.
What is a Russian imperial stout?
A Russian Imperial Stout is a type of beer that was first brewed in the early 18th century in London. It is described as being a strong, dark, flavorful beer with a full body and high alcohol content.
As the name suggests, this style of beer is closely associated with Imperial Russia, where it was originally developed to be shipped on long journeys to the Russian royal court. The beer is brewed with Pale Ale malt, flaked and crystal malts, and hops, and often uses dark sugars and/or syrups for added flavor and complexity.
It has a deep, dark color and a robust malt flavor, sometimes echoing notes of chocolate, coffee, dark fruits, and/or licorice. This malt backbone is balanced by a medium-high to high hop bitterness, with a warming alcohol note that often provides sweetness on the back end.
As its history suggests, Russian Imperial Stout is meant to be aged and savored, with a complex range of flavors that can mature over time. It is a full-bodied beer that is meant to be enjoyed slowly, preferably in smaller servings.
What is the difference between a Russian imperial stout and an Imperial Stout?
The primary difference between a Russian imperial stout and a regular imperial stout is in the alcohol content. Russian imperial stouts are typically stronger than a regular imperial stout, as they have an average ABV (alcohol by volume) of between 8-12%, while an Imperial Stout typically has an avergae ABV of around 7-10%.
Additionally, Russian imperial stouts tend to be smoother and less bitter than an Imperial Stout. This is due to the amount of roasted malt used in the brewing process, as Russian imperial stouts use more roasted malt than a standard imperial stout.
This results in a flavor profile that is smooth and slightly sweet, with caramel, chocolate, and coffee flavors. Furthermore, Russian imperial stouts may also contain more hops, giving them a slight bitterness in the finish.
Finally, Russian imperial stouts are often aged for a longer period of time than a regular imperial stout, resulting in more complex and intense flavors.
How do you drink Russian Imperial Stout?
You can approach drinking Russian Imperial Stout similarly to how you would any other type of beer. Pouring this dark, hearty stout into a glass is the best way to appreciate its flavors and aromas. Start by tilting the bottle and gently pouring it into a glass.
Hold the glass at a 45-degree angle to avoid splashing. Once it reaches three-quarters full, tilt the glass upright to watch the beer fill to the brim, smoothing out the head with a gentle swirl. Let the beer settle to appreciate its deep hue and thick, creamy appearance.
Give it a smell before you sip. Russian Imperial Stout offers a robust bouquet of aromas, with deep hints of roasted coffee and cocoa. Pour yourself a glass, gently releasing its rich aromas, before you take a sip.
As you would with any other beer, start with a small sip to get a sense of its intense flavors and hop bitterness before taking ever-larger sips.
Russian Imperial Stout has a strong flavor profile, boasting a bold roasted malt quality and deep, complex sweetness derived from toffee and dark fruits. Many brewers add bitter hops to balance out the beer’s sweetness.
If this is your first Imperial Stout, take it slow, as the hoppiness and alcohol content can be quite intense.
Feel free to pair your Russian Imperial Stout with various dishes, as the intense flavors and notes can work with both savory and sweet dishes – as well as desserts. The bold roasted malt characteristics can also bring out the best in smokey flavors, cheeses, steak, chocolate or even nuts.
Keep in mind that with a hefty ABV and intense flavor profile, this beer should be savored in small glasses and enjoyed in moderation.
Should Imperial Stout be refrigerated?
Yes, Imperial Stouts should be refrigerated after opening. This high-alcohol beer can contain up to 10 percent ABV and does not age well when left unrefrigerated. When storing Imperial Stout, it is important to keep the beer at an ideal temperature between 35-40°F (1.
7-4°C). Storing Imperial Stout at colder temperatures for a long period of time can result in the beer becoming stale. Allowing this beer to warm up too much, however, can result in oxidation, which gives the beer a ‘cardboard’ taste.
Once opened, the beer should be consumed within three to five days of storage to ensure quality.
Is stout beer good for you?
No, stout beer is not generally considered to be good for you. While moderate alcohol consumption may provide some health benefits, including reducing your risk of heart disease, the key is moderation.
The general guideline is up to one drink per day for women, and up to two drinks per day for men.
Stout beers are usually higher in alcohol content than other types of beer, so it’s important to pay attention to your intake and also to be aware that many food items, like beer cheese soup and beer battered fish, also contain alcohol.
Additionally, drinking too much alcohol can cause serious health problems, such as cirrhosis, liver disease, and an increased risk of certain types of cancer.
Instead of relying on alcohol for your health benefits, it’s best to focus on a balanced diet and maintaining an active lifestyle. Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of heart disease and other serious health conditions.
Additionally, make sure you’re getting enough exercise to keep your body strong and reduce stress.
How long can you keep imperial stout?
Imperial stout is a malt-forward beer with a robust body and a complex flavor profile that can include notes of chocolate, coffee, and dark fruits. Because of its strong flavor and high alcohol content, imperial stout is best enjoyed fresh.
However, if properly cellared, an imperial stout can develop interesting characteristics that may be different from its original flavor profile. When cellaring an imperial stout, look for signs of oxidation, such as a change in color or off-flavors.
If stored properly, an imperial stout can be enjoyed up to 3-5 years after its bottling date.
How do you make a good stout?
Making a good stout requires careful planning and execution of the brewing process. Since stouts are dark beers, the brewer must take extra care to create a balanced flavor that is both flavorful and powerful.
To begin, the brewer should select the proper grains for the brew. Combining a base malt such as Maris Otter, Piper or Golden Promise with dark grains such as dark crystal, chocolate malt, roasted barley and black patent malt will give the stout its color, flavor and body.
The grains must be cracked in order for the brewer to obtain a complete mash.
The mash temperature and pH level must be carefully monitored during the mash. Properly mashing grains will ensure a complete conversion of starches to sugars and proper pH levels will give the desired flavor profile.
The mash is typically around 158-160 degrees Fahrenheit and the pH should remain between 5. 3 and 5. 5.
After mashing, the brewer should proceed to the boil. The boil should last for sixty to ninety minutes to allow for proper utilization of the hops. The hops used should provide bitterness to the beer and balance out the malt sweetness.
Popular hop varieties include Centennial, Cascade, Chinook and Columbus.
Once the boil is finished, the wort should be chilled and transferred to a fermenter. The brewer should choose an appropriate yeast for the job. English ale yeasts like Wyeast 1028, Yeast 1272, Nottingham and Safale S-04 are all good choices.
The fermentation conditions should be monitored carefully as well and the temperature should remain between 64-68 F.
Once the fermentation is complete, the beer should be transferred to a conditioning tank. The beer should condition for a few weeks to allow flavors to mellow and develop complex characteristics. The beer can then be kegged, bottled or canned and enjoyed!.
Working with care and precision will ensure that the brewer makes a delicious stout that is bold, flavorful and robust.
What is BBA stout?
BBA (Bourbon Barrel Aged) Stout is a type of beer made with high-alcohol content, dark-colored barley, and flavorful additions such as chocolate, coffee, and vanilla. It is then aged in used bourbon barrels for anywhere from two to three months, this gives a unique flavor to the beer.
It is commonly referred to as a ‘dessert beer’ due to its sweet, yet complex flavor profile. The aging process imparts rich caramel and toasty notes from the barrel, as well as a slight hint of oak and vanilla.
This combination of sweet and savory flavors creates a unique robust beer that is often enjoyed as an after-dinner drink.
Is stout healthier than beer?
The answer to this question depends on a few factors. Generally speaking, stout is a dark beer that has a unique bitter taste that is often brewed with roasted barley, hops, and malted barley and is higher in calories, alcohol, and malt flavor than other types of beer.
In comparison, some beers are considered to be healthier than others due to the type of ingredients used and their calorie, carbohydrate, and alcohol content.
Although stout is higher in calories, protein, and alcohol content than other kinds of beer, it does contain some beneficial ingredients for health. For example, the roasted barley used in stout is a source of soluble fiber and has a low glycemic index which can help with digestive health and reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes.
Additionally, the hops and malted barley used in stout are packed with polyphenols which are natural antioxidant compounds that can offer health benefits.
It’s important to keep in mind that some beers may contain additives such as sweeteners and preservatives that may detract from its health benefits. Ultimately, the healthiest option for someone looking to consume alcohol is to choose one that is lower in calories, carbohydrates, and alcohol content.
Is Guinness a porter or a stout?
Guinness is widely known as a stout, but it is actually classified as a type of porter. Guinness is a dry stout, which is characterized by the use of roasted barley to give the beer a dark color and strong flavor.
The dark malts used in making Guinness result in an approachable but complex flavor with hints of coffee, caramel, and toasted grains. Dry stouts are denser than other types of porters, but the high carbonation of Guinness gives the beer a lightness that is disproportional to its high alcohol content.
So, while Guinness is technically a type of porter, it is widely known and considered to be a stout.
Are all stouts milk stouts?
No, not all stouts are milk stouts. Stouts are a type of beer that is dark, bitter and full-bodied. This type of beer is typically brewed with roasted malt or barley, hops, water and yeast. Milk stouts, also known as cream stouts, are a special type of stout that is brewed with the addition of lactose (milk sugar).
This addition gives the beer a slightly sweeter, creamier taste and mouthfeel. While the flavor of some milk stouts may taste a bit like roasted coffee or caramel, they differ from other stouts in their creamy, smooth texture.
Milk stouts are also usually darker in color than other types of stouts. If you come across a beer labeled as a stout, it is not necessarily a milk stout, although some breweries may brew a milk stout version of a classic stout.
Which is heavier porter vs stout?
It is difficult to determine exactly which beer is heavier, porter or stout. With different percentages of alcohol and components. In general, stouts tend to have more roasted malt flavors and have a thicker body than porters.
They also have more alcohol, typically ranging from 4-7%, compared to the 4-5% of most porters. Porters tend to be milder and more delicate than stouts, and have a smoother finish. This can mean that both have equal body and weight, depending on the exact ingredients used in each.
In some cases, stouts can be found with higher alcohol content than certain types of porters, making them heavier. Ultimately, the best way to determine the weight of a porter or stout is to look at the specific ingredients or consult with a professional brewer.
