"Starter" Stouts

It's not a stout, but a porter...

But assuming you like stouts, you'd like porters. I don't know if you guys get any Great Lakes Brewing out that way, but Edmund Fitzgerald is the best dark beer I've ever had. I wouldn't call it a starter stout, but at the same time, I'm not sure how anyone could dislike it... silky smooth, chocolate, coffee, deliciousness.

 

Dominion Oak Barrel Stout is an excellent stout, IMO, that isnt as watery as a "regular" stout and it looks like Dominion is available in MD. Also GI's Oatmeal Stout is a good place to start and, if your friend has a sweet tooth, have him sample some of Southern Tiers stouts (Mokah, Oat, Choklat). They all have a thicker mouthfeel and, while they are imperials, dont have a huge alcohol kick.

 

I'm a bit too ignorant to be posting in this thread to begin with (Surpise, suprise!), since I honestly don't know the true differences between porters and stouts. The only thing I can adequately come up with is the mouthfeel. Porters generally seem heavier to me.

 

One of the earlier stouts that got me hooked was Avery Out of Bounds Stout

 

North Coast Old Rasputin
Oskar Blues TenFidy

are both great RIS, easy to get (depending if they are dist. by you) and have many flavors all people can enjoy but are not too heavy or strong

You mentioned that some stouts are watery to you, I would bet those are Irish Dry Stouts or Milk Stouts, but those may actually be a place for your friend to start instead of any type of Imperial Stout... maybe like a Terrapin MooHoo even.

 

I recommend Founders Porter and Ipswich Oatmeal Stout

 

Sounds like Sam Smith's Oatmeal Stout would be a good one to suggest. It will be available too.

Also, I am not sure if Maryland gets Butternuts (brewed in New York) but if they do he should try Moo Thunder. It's a very basic stout that, I believe, is pretty solid.

Finally, if he can land Sierra Nevada stout he should give that one a spin too.

 

Sierra Nevada Stout's a good suggestion, since it can be found anywhere.

 

Another easy drinker is New Holland The Poet Oatmeal Stout (if available in your area)

 

Parabola.

But really, I'm not sure you can get it in AZ - I'd expect you could though, Anderson Valley Oatmeal Stout is a really great beer.

 

aside from some of the good ones listed I would add Green Flash Double Stout.

 

Some good beers that MD gets that aren't too crazy and should be easy to find
Smuttynose Robust Porter
Bear Republic Big Bear Black Stout
Cape Ann Fishermen's Pumpkin Stout
Green Flash Double Stout
River Horse Oatmeal Milk Stout

 

Bell's Kalamazoo Stout - solid w/no overwhelming flavors

 

Bell's Double Cream Stout is a great "starter" I think

 

Has he had a Guinness before? Start with the basics.
Then as a contrast I'd show him Rasputin, it's cheap, good, and a nice representation of the RIS style.

 

If you'd like to take a second mortgage, go for Rogue's Chocolate Stout. But like I said, you may need to rob a bank or something. What's a Rogue bomber going for these days, like $45,000?