Snake River Zonker Stout
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Tasting Notes
The aroma opens with roasted barley, dark chocolate, and a faint hint of espresso, with just enough sweetness to keep things from turning too dry. On the palate, flavors of bittersweet chocolate and dark-roasted malt dominate, backed by a mild molasses note that adds depth without heaviness. The body is medium-full with a smooth, relatively soft carbonation. The finish is moderately dry and lightly bitter, fading cleanly without any harsh astringency.
About the Brewery
Snake River Brewing is based in Jackson, Wyoming, and has been operating since 1994, making it one of the longer-running craft brewpubs in the Mountain West. They're known for a well-rounded lineup that spans lagers, ales, and stouts, and they've earned a consistent regional following. Their beers tend toward balance and drinkability rather than extreme experimentation, reflecting their brewpub roots and a clientele that skews toward outdoor enthusiasts passing through the Tetons.
Food Pairings
Oysters on the half shell are a classic match because the stout's roasted bitterness cuts through the brine and highlights the oysters' mineral quality. A plate of braised short ribs works well because the beer's chocolate and molasses notes echo the caramelized meat. Sharp aged cheddar offers a salty, tangy contrast that makes the roast character pop. A brownie or dark chocolate tart rounds things out by doubling down on the cocoa notes already present in the glass, creating a cohesive dessert pairing.
Style Guide
Foreign or Export Stout is a stronger, fuller-bodied evolution of the dry Irish stout, historically brewed at higher gravities to survive long sea voyages to markets in the Caribbean, Africa, and Asia. The style sits between a standard dry stout and an imperial stout in terms of strength, typically ranging from about 5.5% to 8% ABV. Flavors lean toward roasted malt, dark chocolate, and light molasses, with a noticeable but not aggressive bitterness. Compared to a dry Irish stout it's sweeter and more substantial, and compared to an imperial stout it's considerably less intense and more approachable.