We collaborated on another one. Another stout, that is.

The Brew Crew was contacted a while ago by brewer Michael Sharpe at Casa Vieja. He wanted to know if we would be interested in creating a proper stout for the winter months. Obviously, the answer was yes, and away we went.

Franz Solo crafted the recipe, with input from the rest of us, and then with Sharpe and head brewer/owner Gary Socha. It included a hefty amount of Maris Otter, Chocolate Rye, and other delightful malts. Ultimately, we called upon the public to help us select a name for this beer, and Stout of Perseverance was your choice. We decided it worked quite well, especially considering how it fits during these pandemic days.

Unfortunately, we were not able to make it over there on the brew day itself, so in that sense our collaboration was limited to the recipe and now the marketing of this beer. Still, for our first collab with Casa Vieja, we are fairly proud of this beer. Socha delivered some six-packs to us, and we reviewed them in the YouTube video above.

Overall, it was an enjoyable stout, with mild sweetness and a good amount of roast, plus a rye kick at the back end. It clocked in at 8.4-percent ABV and 35 IBUs, and is now on tap or available for cans or growler fills at Casa Vieja, which opens today (Thursday) from 3 to 7 p.m. If you want something to eat with your stout, Better Ate Than Never will be parked outside with a menu of some delectable finger foods, including chicken wings, bruschetta, and charcuterie boards.

If you not been to the rather luxurious patio at Casa Vieja, now equipped with plenty of heaters, this weekend would make a good excursion in between winter storms. Or, just snag some Stout of Perseverance to go, and then send us your own review of how we did with this latest black elixir of malty goodness. And, by goodness, we of course mean evil. Hails!

Thanks to Gary and Michael for everything in this endeavor.

Keep supporting local!

— Stoutmeister