Day 12 of the 7th Annual Holiday Beer Advent-ure Calendar
Day 12: Unplugged Brewing Crackling Embers Stout
Unplugged is a newer local Ohio brewery that we’ve become fans of. They’re based in Elyria, which isn’t really a “craft beer Mecca,” but dammit if we haven’t been really impressed with their stuff so far. Just because a town may not be known for something doesn’t mean someone can’t be the first to put it on the map, and we’re excited that we can find the cans in more stores. Crackling Embers is a “S’mores inspired pastry oatmeal stout brewed with Lactose, Cocoa, Cinnamon, Brown Sugar, and Marshmallow.”
Reflections
Ben: As far as flavored stouts go, this is pretty solid. It’s just sweet enough and finishes roasty, chocolatey, and dry. Not sure if they used actual marshmallows in this (my guess is no), but the flavor is pretty spot on. I could definitely enjoy this on a cold winter night and be very content.
Julia: Oh this is delightful. This has all the characteristics of a good stout that I love. It’s rich, dark, chocolately and a bit smoky. I do taste the cocoa, brown sugar and the hint of cinnamon. It’s not overpowering and not in your face. I’m not sure if I get a “s’mores” flavor from it but it’s still so good. I could relax by a fire and sip on this all night. I am a huge fan of Unplugged and haven’t had a beer yet from them that I didn’t like
Adam: Brown sugar | Char marshmallow | graham cracker crust | Smokey | should’ve come in a smaller can
Alex: Unplugged Crackling Embers tastes like a boozy smoky milkshake. While I do like it, I definitely could not drink the entire 16 oz can. I will go splitzies anytime.
Scott: I love Unplugged beer so I’m very happy to see the Crackling Embers in this year’s list! It’s a very heavy, malty, stouty drinker that I personally think should only be served in a 12oz can. It’s one of those beers that you need to be in the mood to drink but it’s got a great flavor and plenty to share with two people in one can.
Christa: So excited to have Unplugged on our list! We’ve tried a couple of their beers and are big fans. Crackling Embers is a stouty guy. Full bodied. Strong. Quite a lot, actually. I don’t love stouts so I wasn’t going to love this. I can appreciate what they are trying to do: it’s sweet, bitter, packs a punch, and has enough holiday leanings to pass for the season. But for me? I am about 6 sips in and that’s enough for me. Godspeed with the rest, Scott.
Tony: Immediately intrigued by the name “Crackling Embers” and sub-title of “S’mores inspired stout.” It pours SUPER dark with a tan foam that, to their credit, resembles the charred outside of a campfire roasted marshmallow. The aroma had hints of coffee and chocolate. Upon tasting it, it really did give me some campfire vibes. I felt like the flavor had elements of chocolate, maybe graham cracker or cinnamon, and vanilla. It also has a slight smokiness to it. I love dark beers so this flavor profile is my cup of tea. I think it lives up to the name, it has campfire vibes in both can design and flavor. I really liked it.
Megan: I was excited and disappointed to see this one the list. Excited because a dark stout sounds so good as we sit in the thick of the holidays but disappointed I can’t actually drink it! I smell chocolate and get that smokiness feel to it. This type of beer is great in the winter but would I call it a “holiday” beer? I don’t know. This could very well stand alone outside of Christmas and would make sense. That being said, I would love to see this on the calendar next year.
Brad: It’s crazy how they can make this beer smell exactly like an actual bonfire. Not just a smokey smell, but an actual fire in my back yard. That said, the beer is a little bitter, but I like that in a stout. It’s not super smooth but I enjoy it. Another 16oz can which seems excessive to me for this type of beer but I’m sure I’ll be happy once I finish this 8% big boy.
Heather: Oh wow. The first thing I do is smell the beer before I taste it and I got a big whiff of bonfire, which was weird and awesome. I am OBSESSED with this one! It is 100% bringing me to sitting around a fire at a ski lodge after a day in the snow. I don’t know how much I taste s’mores (although, to be fair, it just says “s’mores inspired), but what I do taste is fantastic. It’s rich. It’s smoky. It’s very different. I dig it. Brad says he’s shocked I like the bitterness but it works here.