Grateful Stout from Great Rhythm Brewing Co.
You have to admit one thing about New Hampshire beer lovers; they are proud of the ability of the brewers to make such great and varied beers in a place where just over one million people inhabit and where there are at least 55 breweries. This makes for an interesting selection of tastes, smells, styles and decorative packaging making the community feel a part of a growing business and trend. In fact, we are the country’s largest consumer of beer in the nation! (I’m still wowed by that fact)
So today we spend some time looking at an expanding brew business located among the cluster of brewers near the NH seacoast; Great Rhythm.
Newly located at 105 Bartlet Street in Portsmouth, Great Rhythm Brewing has been creating delicious craft beer since early 2012. There willingness to collaborate among the brew community has brought them honors and appreciation. With this new expansion, they will have a larger brew volume as well as a tasting room, GR gear for sale and facility touring. This is an exciting company to watch grow since they are just great folks brewing great beer.
Grateful Stout is part of the Backstage Series of small batches brewed and sold in 22 ounce bottles. Grateful is opaque brown-black in tone with a luscious khaki head and generous lacing throughout the glass. When swirling the glass, the head actually rejuvenates its froth and reinforces the coffee aromas. You will immediately notice the strong coffee notes as you approach your first sip. Some chocolate, maybe earthy or smokey hints, and possibly molasses whiffs lurk within. You’ll find a generous mouthfeel and lots of coffee, chocolate and a touch of licorice in your initial meeting. This is a malt forward stout with the tiniest sweetness initially and dry finish with a balanced bittering at the end of the experience. Roasted barley malts are the smoky elements that embrace you in your relationship here. With a nice combination of sweet and bittering, you’ll become good friends and probably not want to share this bottle with anyone else.
Both BeerAdvocate.com and RateBeer.com communities have given this stout high honors and accolades. At 6.5% ABV, this stout can be enjoyed currently, but again remember, it is part of a small batch series so go and find it today. You should be able to pick this gem up at Case-n-Keg in Meredith and Laconia and other fine beer retailers. Great Rhythm has just started canning their Resonation Pale Ale (their flagship brew) and you should be able to find that throughout the state. But pursue this Grateful Stout soon as it will be gone in no time… cheers!
Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to
wickedbrews@weirs.com
