Brewery shakes up beer sales with first nitro-infused stout
Calabogie Brewing Company this week unveiled a nitrogen-infused version of its popular Brown Cow Milk Stout, which may be the first nitro stout in a can by an Ottawaarea craft brewery.
The nitrogen carbonation process lends an extra creaminess to the beer that makes it more like a draft poured in a pub.
“It gives it a lot more body, a lot more velvety smoothness,” said Calabogie sales rep Danny McCallum, who showed how to pour the dark, chocolatecoloured brew at the launch party, held Wednesday at Ottawa’s Craft Beer Market.
As he demonstrates in the video, you have to shake the can for a few seconds before opening it to activate the nitro.
“It goes against everything we’re taught about beer,” McCallum said.
After a good shake and an “aggressive pour” into a level glass, you can see the nitrogen working its magic to produce a perfectly formed head.
With its notes of vanilla, chocolate and espresso, the regular Brown Cow Milk Stout (5.5 per cent ABV) is one of Calabogie’s best-selling brews during the fall and winter, when beer drinkers turn to darker, more heartwarming concoctions.
The nitro version makes it even more delectable as a dessert beer; the luxurious mouth feel lends a milkshake-like decadence.
The nitro stout will be available in a four-pack at the Beer Store in January.
In the meantime, you can buy it at the brewery in Calabogie, about an hour west of Ottawa, priced at $3.50 for a 473 mL tallboy can.