What is nitro? And how does it change what’s in your pint glass? Well, Nitrogen-infused beers are just that – infused with nitrogen rather than the carbon dioxide you find in your usual beer. By doing this the finished beverage is attributed with a richer, creamier texture and smoother feel on the palate. This method is traditionally used in stouts and other brews that consist of richer flavors. Although less popular than carbon dioxide in beer, the Northwest craft brew scene has some delicious nitro-brews waiting for you to enjoy.
Diamond Knot Craft Brewing Imperial Chocolate Vanilla Oatmeal Stout || Mukilteo, WA
Named after the infamous 1947 shipwreck of the Diamond Knot, Diamond Knot Craft Brewing creates liquid gold from the wreckage. Bob Maphet and Brian Sollenberger named the brewery after the wreck that happened six miles west of Port Angeles. Since 1994, the pair has been brewing beer out of their Mukilteo location. When it comes to nitro brews it can be argued nobody does it better. This stout weighs in at 8 percent ABV and has a smooth and creamy finish.
Hale’s Brewery Cream Ale || Seattle, WA
Hale’s has been a Seattle mainstay since 1983, and since then, Mike Hale has made it his mission to craft one-of-a-kind libations and fare using local ingredients. Made from American Saaz hops, Hale’s Cream Ale was the first beer made in America to be nitrogen conditioned. Very easy to drink, this brew combines malty and hoppy flavors to provide an enjoyable drinking experience.
North Sound Brewing Co. Goosetown Brown || Mt. Vernon, WA
After working in the insurance industry for 21 years, Kurt Ahrens ditched the insurance game and made a drastic change in career, forming North Sound Brewing Co. in 2009 in Mount Vernon, Washington. Full of chocolatey notes and dark Munich malt flavors, the Goosetown Brown ale and its generous 7 percent ABV are sure to see you through the end of this winter.
Deschutes Brewery Jubel 2015 || Bend, OR
A grab-bag of different hops blend together wonderfully in this soon-to-be-classic, barrel-aged brew from Deschutes Brewery. The Jubel ale combines Nugget, Cascade and Willamette hops, to name a few, with roasted barley and Special B malts. This nitro-brew is 50-percent aged in Pinot Noir and New Oregon Oak barrels for 12 months. Pair it with some mint chocolate brownies or a shepherd’s pie to truly embrace its potential.
Double Mountain Brewery Black Irish || Hood River, OR
You wouldn’t even know you’re in North America – this nitro-stout from Double Mountain Brewery is as close as you can get to that classic Irish nitro-stout taste and texture. Strong cream flavors with bursts of roasted malt intensity balance each other out to create a smooth pour. From first sip to last, this brew embodies everything nitro.
