Grimm Lithos

Lithos is a stout from Grimm Artisanal Ales, a Brooklyn brewery founded in 2013 by Joe and Lauren Grimm. It is listed here under both Stout and Imperial Stout at 5.3% ABV. That is well below the 8% and higher that imperial stouts usually reach, so expect something closer to a standard stout in weight and drinkability, with the roasted-malt focus the style is known for. The listing shows an IBU of 0, which most likely means bitterness was not measured or published. It shouldn't be read as a promise of no bitterness, since stouts typically get their dry edge from roasted grain rather than hops. Stouts in this range usually offer aromas of dark chocolate, coffee, toasted bread crust and sometimes a faint char or cocoa-nib dryness. The body tends to sit medium to medium-full, with a creamy mouthfeel and a finish that moves from sweetness to roast. Grimm is known for small, limited-edition releases and experimental ales, so batch character can vary. Treat the notes above as what the style suggests rather than a measured profile of this bottle. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, around 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C). Straight from a refrigerator the roast flattens and the aroma stays closed, so give it 15 to 20 minutes on the counter. A tulip glass or a snifter concentrates the roasted aromas, while a nonic pint or stemmed beer glass suits the modest strength and makes it easy to drink through an evening. At the table, a stout like this works with grilled or braised red meat, smoked sausage, aged cheddar and other hard, nutty cheeses, and chocolate-based desserts such as flourless cake or brownies. It also suits salty, briny partners like oysters, an old pairing for dry stouts. For a simple dessert, pour a measure over vanilla ice cream.