Actually, Eventide Nitro Dry Irish stout was new to me, but it’s been around for almost a year now. Atlanta’s Eventide only distributes on draft, though, and their beers can be hard to find. I’ve only ever tried their Kolsch before, and found it quite delicious indeed. Indeed, on a blog post about their stout, Eventide calls it the “Elusive Eventide Nitro Stout”. And here I am with a brimming 20-ounce mug of it before me. Lucky me.

Anyway, in that blog post Eventide wants you to know this about their stout:

There is also a misconception about the Stout that we would like to dispel. People think it is a “Heavy” style, but it is in fact the opposite. The dark color comes from the use of the highly roasted grains, and not as a result of a large grain bill. In fact, the grain bill on for the Stout is smaller than both the Pale Ale and the Kölsch, which means it has the least amount of calories. The dark roasted grains do give the beer a bold flavor, but it is definitely less filling than other styles (our stout has a little over 100 calories per pint). The word “Nitro” describes the gas with which it is being dispensed. Becaused nitrogen is absorbed much slower than CO2, the beer can be dispensed at a higher psi which is necessary for pouring through a stout faucet. This process, however, creates the “cascade” effect through the release of the majority of the gas suspended in the liquid which is not only cool to watch but gives the beer a creamy mouthfeel which complements the dark, roasted flavors.

Here’s what I want you to know. Eventide Nitro Dry Irish Stout has an alcohol content of 4.8% by volume and I paid $6.75 for a full mug pour at Taco Mac. That’s not so bad for a fresh local nitro-tapped beer now is it? It’s draft only right now, but Eventide plans to release some of its beer in cans in 2015. Will the Dry Irish Stout sand nitrogen be one of them? We can only hope. 

My mug of Eventide Nitro Dry Irish Stout arrived a jet black color with a huge, very creamy tan head formation of tightly packed bubbles. The nitro pour allowed for excellent lacing as well as the liquid worked its way down the glass. Taking a whiff, I get generous notes of roasted barley and chocolate in the nose, and a sip brings a smooth creamy body, more coffee than chocolate in the palate I think but oodles of dry roasty goodness. Light grassy hops and roast in the finish make this delicious and a beer that I had a hard time not pulling on.

Not so long ago, I was discussing with a friend the relative dearth of good stout in the south. Eventide goes a long way towards addressing that with this delicious example of the style. If you can find it, that is.

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



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