Best drinking Stout from MN/WI/SD/ND/IA ?

I scored a 6 pack of George Hunter, canned on date 10/23/17 $10.99 plus tax. I got 6 pack (bottles) of Satin Solitude date code 28517. Price was $8.99 plus tax. Not sure what the date code means, but I have learned Satin Solitude is good for at least 9 months if stored properly. When it gets older it loses a little flavor but gets smoother and mellower.

 

Ok round one of the head to head is finished. I will not give my final results till I do at least 3 heads to heads. Plus I don't want inject any opinions causing bias before at least a few other have done the comparison. At this point it's close they are very similar beers, but I noticed a slight difference in flavor profile or style already. Doing a little research it appears the date code is Julian for the SS with a bottling date of 10/12/17.

 

Fair State Bottle labels/cans need a change. There not very appealing. You don't know what your looking at unless you research or are a fan boy. It easier to just buy somebody else s beer. What is this? too much work just move along.

 

I have drank about (3) 6 packs of O'so Night Train. I like it but find it to be a odd beer. Bent Paddle Black Ale I will have to try again, had it at the brewery tap room about 2 or 3 years ago. The others you have mention I haven't had.

 

went to World of Beer last night. Had a Fair State Giantsbane, good beer, I would say this is a good substitute for George Hunter, nearly identical beers. Next I had Bent Paddle Cold Press Black Ale, good beer also, but I wish they had the none coffee version. I like Coffee stouts but it's not my go to stout type. Next I had a Empyrean peanut butter porter, great beer, which makes me want to go to the Dangerous Man tap room soon to try there peanut porter and there stouts (no stouts listed on tap currently?). Next Beer was Fair State It's Gold Jerry. I had this before on tap at a different bar. This time it seemed it have more flavor and depth. I liked it. It kinda reminded me of the retired Point cascade pale ale. A beer I liked in hot weather when being active outside like boating. Lower ABV and hits the spot in the heat.

 

True I agree, Old 8 is a great beer. I might have to do a head to head with it against CW Satin Solitude
Here is some good reads:
10 Alternatives to Dark Lord:
https://www.pastemagazine.com/blogs/lists/2014/04/10-alternatives-to-dark-lord.html
Stouts ranked November 13, 2017:
https://www.pastemagazine.com/artic...-stouts-under-8-abv-blind-tasted-and.html?p=2

 

I thought that too, but are they all? Some porters are 100% lagers. Central Waters doesn't claim anywhere on there website that there Stout is a Ale. or is it a given?