There’s something magical about the world of craft brewing, where creativity and taste collide to create unique and delightful beverages. Among the vast array of beer styles, stouts hold a special place with their deep, rich flavors and smooth textures.

But what if we took it a step further and added a twist of fruity goodness to the mix? Enter the Cranberry Stout – a delightful concoction that marries the robustness of stout with the tangy sweetness of cranberries.

In this blog post, we’ll take you through an exciting Cranberry Stout recipe and even provide some nutrition facts to prove that indulgence doesn’t have to compromise your health.

The Cranberry Stout Recipe

Ingredients

8 lbs Pale Malt (2-row)
1 lb Roasted Barley
1 lb Munich Malt

1 lb Crystal Malt (60L)
1 lb Flaked Barley
1 lb Cranberries (fresh or frozen)

1 oz East Kent Goldings Hops (bittering, 60 minutes)
1 oz Fuggle Hops (flavor, 15 minutes)
1 packet of Irish Ale Yeast

1 tsp Irish Moss (clarifying agent)
1 cup Priming Sugar (for bottling)

Instructions

Begin by mashing the grains in about 3.5 gallons of water at 152°F (67°C) for an hour. This process extracts the fermentable sugars from the malt, giving the beer its body and sweetness.

After mashing, sparge the grains with hot water (around 170°F or 77°C) to rinse off any remaining sugars.
Bring the wort (the sugary liquid extracted from the grains) to a boil and add the bittering hops (East Kent Goldings) to the boil for 60 minutes.
At the 45-minute mark, add the cranberries to the boil, which will impart their delightful flavor and color to the beer.

At 15 minutes remaining in the boil, add the flavor hops (Fuggle) to the mixture.
After boiling for a total of 60 minutes, cool the wort rapidly and transfer it to a clean, sanitized fermenter.
Pitch the Irish Ale Yeast into the fermenter, which will begin the fermentation process.

Allow the beer to ferment for about 1-2 weeks or until fermentation activity ceases.
Transfer the beer to a bottling bucket, add the priming sugar, and bottle the beer. Let it carbonate for another week or two.
Finally, refrigerate the bottles for a few days before enjoying your homemade Cranberry Stout!

Nutrition Facts

Beer lovers often wonder about the nutritional value of their favorite beverage. While indulging in moderation is key, let’s take a look at some approximate nutrition facts for a standard 12 oz (355 ml) serving of Cranberry Stout:

Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
Total Carbohydrates: Around 20 grams

Dietary Fiber: Roughly 1 gram
Sugars: Approximately 2 grams
Protein: Roughly 2 grams

Fat: Almost negligible (less than 1 gram)
Alcohol: Around 6-7% ABV (Alcohol by Volume)

Conclusion

The Cranberry Stout is a delightful variation of the classic stout beer style that combines the richness of roasted malts with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. It’s a perfect brew for those looking to explore new flavors and expand their craft beer palate.

As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is essential. While enjoying the Cranberry Stout’s unique taste, keep in mind the alcohol content and make responsible choices.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a brewing adventure, gather your ingredients, don your brewing gear, and create a batch of this delicious Cranberry Stout. Share it with friends, toast to new experiences, and savor the goodness that creativity and craftsmanship can bring to your glass. Cheers!