COOPERSTOWN, N.Y. — Brewery Ommegang is excited to introduce a new evolution in the brewery’s mission to blend the artistry of Belgian brewing traditions with a typically non-Belgian beer style. Candi Stout fuses rich roasted malts with Belgian candi sugar, bittersweet cocoa nibs, and a special strain of Belgian ale yeast. The result is a delightfully drinkable blend of a Belgian-style dark ale and a traditional stout.
“Candi Stout is unique in that the dark candi sugar lessens the body a bit and reduces the need for higher amounts of roasted grains so the beer drinks slightly lighter and less roasted than a typical stout,” said Ommegang Brewmaster Phil Leinhart. “This is a great beer for the cold months ahead, and we’re as excited to share this new beer with fans as we are to drink it this winter.”
Candi Stout is brewed with two-row, flaked barley, Pale Chocolate, Special B, aromatic, Midnight Wheat, and roasted barley malts. Candi syrup and cocoa nibs are added to create a smoothness and lightness of body not typically associated with stouts. Hopped with Styrian Golding and Saaz hops, and fermented with a Belgian abbey ale yeast, the beer’s ABV is 6.7%.
The beer pours a deep, dark black with a thick tan head. Dark chocolate and cocoa lead a complex aroma with subtle hints of dark fruit and spicy yeast. The flavor opens with mild sweetness, giving way to rich chocolate, and mild roast. The use of Belgian yeast and the extra dose of fermentables from candi syrup contribute a smooth body and finish, resulting in impressive drinkability, despite the beer’s complexity.Candi Stout is a perfect match for any variety of chocolate desserts, or on the savory side, with roasted or grilled meats, roasted root vegetables, and aged cheeses.
There will be a one-time release of Candi Stout in 750ml bottles on Saturday, December 23 at Brewery Ommegang in Cooperstown and in the month of January in Wegmans, Total Wine, and Costco stores in the eastern part of the United States. Candi Stout on draft will be available in The Pub by Wegmans locations in February and nationwide in March, for a limited time.
About Brewery Ommegang
Brewery Ommegang opened in 1997 to brew imaginative craft beers across a variety of styles, with particular emphasis and respect for Belgian brewing traditions. Ommegang brews nine ales year-round, as well as an extensive and innovative range of seasonal and specialty ales. The beers have won a national following by connoisseurs of fine beer and are distributed in 46 states and internationally. Ommegang is located on a 136-acre farmstead in Cooperstown, New York and offers free daily tours and inexpensive tastings as well as a 75-seat café, a well-stocked brewery store, and an annual calendar of public events including a summer concert series and a legendary beer festival, Belgium Comes to Cooperstown. Ommegang is open every day of the year except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and occasional special event days. For more information, contactwww.ommegang.com. Ommegang is a member of the Duvel family of fine beers.