Strumpet: A Concert of Flavor
In honor of the few 45 degree, rainy, cloudy, and somber days we have left before spring is in full swing, I wanted this month’s beer review to be of a stout I’ve now sought out multiple times- Strumpet by Dead Bird Brewing Company.
What’s that? You’ve never heard of Strumpet? Dead Bird?! Well, I guess that’s why you’re here.
Spring has really thrown my beer fridge into a swirling vortex of confusion this year. So much so, that I’ve had to start keeping extra beer in my regular fridge… it’s been rough. We have these BEAUTIFUL 75 degree days where patios are open and I am pumped to be outside in the sun, relaxing. I go to the beer section, grab a refreshing 6-pack of a new wit or pale ale and enjoy my afternoon. Then, the VERY next day, here I am, back in the same beer section, with the SAME cashier, picking up another 6-pack. But now of something dark and warming, like Strumpet, to combat the depressing state of rain and cold that has come over our city. And don’t even get me started on the in between days when I have to get an array of limited released IPA bombers. My poor beer fridge just can not handle another half drank 6 pack because the weather will NOT cooperate with my drinking.
While Dead Bird may not be a huge name on the Madison beer scene yet, they’re coming in strong, so be ready. And to be honest, I’m behind the eight ball because this beer from them was released back in February. Strumpet is an Imperial Cherry Stout, made with over 200 pounds of pureed Door County Montmorency tart cherries. 200 POUNDS! And it is delicious, smooth, and ever so slightly tart. The first time I tried it, my friend said he couldn’t taste the cherry and I agree. Sometimes. When it was stone cold (Austin 3:16 reference to come later) out of the bottle I tasted a lot of chocolate and malt notes. But the more I drank and then letting the beer come closer to room temperature the cherry flavor really came out. The beer is just so gosh darn smooth, and not heavy at all. The more I drink it, the more I like it, and the more that same cashier gives me a strange look when I’m back in the store. Coming in at 10% ABV, it’s not THAT imperial, and thus I don’t feel quite so bad drinking the entire bomber. If you’re afraid that a cherry stout is going to be too sweet for you, don’t be! I’ve had much sweeter milk chocolate stouts, where Strumpet is well balanced and neither the chocolate nor the cherry are overpowering. That being said, it will be fruiter than any dry stout obviously, if that’s what you’re looking for. Strumpet has been my perfect tweener beer for these cold, but not frigid, days. The cherry reminds me that spring is coming, but the stout tells me I don’t have to worry about my bikini body quite yet.
Dead Bird is currently being brewed at House of Brews, where you can purchase their stuff. You can also find Dead Bird at HyVee, McFarland liquors, Riley’s, the Steve’s stores, and I got mine at Jenifer St Market. There are others (psst- follow them on social media), and they are constantly doing tastings and are on tap at different places around town. If you’re looking for an event to start Madison Craft Beer Week, I would recommend catching the release of their IIIPA Strongman at House of Brews on April 29th from 5-9pm. And that’s the bottom line.
Rating: 4 cans of whoop-ass (out of 5)
