Nogne O Imperial Stout $5.99 per 16.9-ounce bottle
Nogne O Imperial Stout is an interesting cross-cultural mix. Historically, imperial stout was a dark, well-hopped, high-gravity ale brewed in England for export to the Baltic States and Russia, where it was favored by the Russian Imperial Court. American craft brewers have taken up the style and made even more robust versions. This stout is jet black under a milk-chocolate head, velvety-rich and full of complex flavors of unsweetened chocolate, espresso and roasted grains, with burnt caramel and smoky notes. At 9 percent alcohol by volume, it’s a perfect warmer for the colder nights of fall and winter. Nogne recommends pairing its imperial stout with vanilla ice cream or dark chocolate. Seriously, this beer is a natural for all sorts of desserts, especially exotically flavored truffles, brownies, cheesecake or pecan pie. Nogne O Brewery, Grimstad, Norway.
Bob Townsend, Cox News Service
