International Stout Day 2023: Beer connoisseurs, mixologists on the popularity of the humble brew

Representation Pic

It was the drink of choice for the English workman, and traces its origins to the 17th century. History tells us that the term stout once referred to the high percentage of alcohol in the brew. While it was always part of European pub culture, it has taken a while for the Indian Subcontinent to accept the stout.

In 2011, the dark drink was given the recognition it deserves with a day to its name. Since then, the second of every November has been celebrated as International Stout Day. It is only apt then that we reach out to beer connoisseurs, mixologists and bartenders to delve into the reasons behind its rise in India.

Brew on the rise

Pic Courtesy/Praneel Pathanka

I feel that it's picking up. Usually people think it's dark and bitter and not meant for tropical climates like ours but it's perfect actually for grilled food and BBQs. It works really well in our climate. Historically, the term was used for strong alcoholic beers. Stouts have a rich-bodied complex flavour as compared to ales and lagers. They have notes of chocolate, coffee and roasted grains. The most famous, of course, are Guinness, Irish dry and then, you have oatmeal stout, milk stout and so on. My first experience of a stout was while working at Woodside Inn in Colaba. There was a ball inside the Guinness can, and I was curious to know why. The bacon stout I had at Doolally, also changed my perception about it.
Fay Barretto, founder, Mr Bartender & The Crew

A different experience

I do not recall the first time I tried a stout, but it is definitely growing. I think there are more stout options coming up, and that's quite interesting as a craft aficionado to see. It's not just one style of stout either. There are some nice experiments taking place. One of its features is the dark colour, of course, it's either off-putting or appealing. A stout is a different kind of beer experience; maybe like a good dark chocolate over a regular Rs 20 chocolate bar. It's not so bitter that it might put you off, so the next time you head to a brewery, ask for a taste.
Deepak Gopalakrishnan, freelance content strategist

Perfect start to an evening

Stout is a big draw in international markets, but is slowly catching up here as well. I always prefer stout or IPA, specifically because of the flavour profile. If you are out for a light evening, you can skip your coffee and opt for a stout. As a bartender, I often turn to stout for many cocktails. It does not stay on your palate for a very long time, so it works as something to start your evening with or to end the night.
Santosh Kukreti, head mixologist, Slink & Bardot

An alternative beer choice

I love stout. It [my love of stout] stems from Guinness being the most famous example of the brew. It has grown in the last five to 10 years. Stout is still consumed as an alternative beer in some ways. While it does not match the popularity of witbiers, it is still more popular than it was a decade ago.
Nico Goghavala, restaurateur and mixologist

Get stout on it

>> The Woodside Inn
At: Indian Mercantile Mansion, opposite Regal Cinema, Colaba; New Link Plaza, near Oshiwara Police Station, Andheri West.
Call: 9321728192 (Colaba)

>> Toit
At: Senapati Bapat Marg, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel.
Call: 9324555223

>> Hapi Beer Co.
At: Shop 7 and 8, Geliki building, ONGC Colony, Reclamation, Bandra West.
call 7738443090

>> Doolally Taproom
At: Ram Krishna Nagar, Third Road, Khar; near Fun Republic, Andheri West; Hiranandani Estate, Thane West.
Call: 9167860275 (Khar)

>> Kadak Brewpub
At: Third Floor, Xperia Mall, Palava City, Dombivli East.
Call: 8976875999

>> Royal Oak Brewery
At: Satra Plaza, Sector 19D, Vashi.
Call: 7304699866

>> British Brewing Company
At: Plot 126, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Lower Parel; Oberoi Mall, Oberoi Garden City, Goregaon East; Viviana Mall, Thane West.
Call: 9702649328 (Lower Parel)