Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week": Dark Horse "Tres" Blueberry Stout

When tasting out heartier stouts and barrel aged beers, it's best to have them at a warmer temperature to really get a sense of the taste profile. One of the reasons we think people pound back Guinness, besides brand recognition and a perverse romanticizing of Irish culture, is that it's often served too cold to fully unleash the flavor of roasted barley malt that's the heart of its brewing.

One stout we recommend you try out with the chill gone is Tres, a blueberry stout from Dark Horse Brewing. Yes, blueberries are involved in the brewing process, but the flavor imparted from them doesn't dominate. Instead, it blends well with the chocolate we also picked up on the palate. Like any healthy stout, Tres poured none more black with a coffee colored head that faded quickly. The finish was dry and lingering. Stouts make wonderful pairs for chocolate. This one would work very well paired with dark chocolate.

Our go-to store for beer, LUSH University Village, carries Tres and other fine Dark Horse selections. With a slight chill in the air, it's seasonal enough to have this as Chicagoist's "Beer of the Week."