Brewers Blog: “Shake it Sugaree” Milk Stout
Hello fellow beer enthusiasts! Today, I want to share the story behind a Two22 Brew creation, the “Shake it Sugaree” Milk Stout. This brew is a bit of a departure for me, as it's not a style I've frequently tackled in my brewing career. Yet, it's one I'm incredibly excited to bring to you, crafted with the finest ingredients and a touch of personal inspiration.
The foundation of “Shake it Sugaree” is primarily composed of ROOT SHOOT Malt from Berthoud, Colorado, complemented by some specialty malts from Briess out of Canada. When designing this recipe, I drew inspiration from other milk stouts on the market, particularly focusing on the amount of lactose used. True to my brewing style, I didn't hold back on the specialty ingredients, resulting in a richer, sweeter milk stout than you might typically find.
In my mind, this brew captures the essence of what a milk stout should be. The sweetness from the lactose sugar and the deep, dark malts clearly define its style. Its velvety, roasted character provides a perfect canvas for additional flavors, such as chai. Having given up coffee nearly two years ago, I've developed a love for chai, particularly the Blue Lotus Chai brand, which I enjoy without milk. Incorporating this into our brew was not only a delightful experiment but also a flavorful success.
The name “Shake it Sugaree” pays homage to my lifelong love for the Grateful Dead, a band that has been a significant part of my musical journey. This tribute extends to our chai-infused milk stout, the “Chai Cat Sunflower,” another nod to the Grateful Dead, co-named with a former Two22 employee, Daniel Burse.
February is a month of celebration for stouts in the brewing industry, and I couldn't be more thrilled to share these offerings with you. I hope you enjoy them as much as I enjoyed crafting them. Here's to a month of rich, flavorful stouts that warm the soul and excite the palate. Cheers! 🍻