On Tap is a regular column featuring our recommendations on the most unique new draft beer offerings from local pubs.
Our Recommendation: Flying Cloud Stout, Anchor Brewing Company
Where: Station Taproom, 207 West Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335 (484) 593-0560
On a blustery Thursday, I made my way over to Station Taproom hoping to catch a seat at the bar precisely at 4:30 p.m. for the start of Happy Hour. A few minutes late, I opened their front door to find the bar was already packed with jovial craft beer lovers.
I settled in at a table and reviewed the giant chalkboard. To my surprise, they had three stouts tapped. Mind blown. As a stout lover, this is a beautiful sight…and makes for a tough decision. My choices on this night? Heavy Seas‘ Winter Storm Stout, Avery Brewing’s The Czar Imperial Stout or Anchor Brewing‘s Flying Cloud Stout. Hmmm…
When in doubt, I try to go with the most recently tapped, just so readers have a chance of catching this sixtel before it kicks. My server informed me she just tapped the Flying Cloud San Francisco Stout, so Flying Cloud it was!
This stout pours dark black with a generous half-inch mocha head. My first sip was smooth and the malty notes lingered, with a roasted chocolate finish at the end. This is a full-bodied velvety stout, sure to satisfy. At 7.4% ABV, this stout will also kick your Happy Hour off right. Flying Cloud is one of the most enjoyable stouts I’ve tried.
I was interested in learning how the name Flying Cloud came about, so I did a little digging. Like another classic craft beer, Great Lakes’ Edmund Fitzgerald, Flying Cloud Stout is actually named after a ship. The clipper known as the Flying Cloud was once considered one of the finest and stoutest ships of the 1800s, often docking in San Francisco.
Flying Cloud is one of the most enjoyable stouts I’ve tried. If you get a chance, check it out soon before it sets sail.
