“We pay our electric bill!” exclaims Couch Brewery’s Darren Gailley. There is going to be a scheduled Blackout at the brewery on Saturday, November 16th. “Don’t worry, it’s not about electricity, it’s about the beer. Dark, flavorful beer.”

Blackout is the Pittsburgh based brewery’s way to celebrate stout beer. “We love our Recliner around here.” Says Mike Pearrow, one of Couch’s three owners. The brewery will have several variants of their flagship American oatmeal stout, Recliner, on draft. Cary Shaffer, Couch’s head brewer and co-owner, is excited, “If you love dark beer as much as I do, you better not miss this! Our whole crew has given input on these special release beers.”

Couch claims tasting pours are the recommended way to give these a try. “With so many stouts to sample, give yourself a little time.” says Gailley. Plan to spend the afternoon at the brewery.

One of the featured stouts will be a peated bourbon barrel aged version of Recliner. Liberty Pole Spirits from the City of Washington provided the barrels for the project. The beer was aged for a year in the barrels. Another local tie is Commonplace Coffee. They are located a half mile from Couch Brewery and will have their in-house made cold brew concentrate added to a couple kegs of Recliner to create 880 Yard Espresso.

“We will have a limited quantity of cans to go,” Shaffer adds, “grab your favorites to take home.” This is the second year for the event. Last year was very popular.

The Blackout event is on Saturday, November 16th at Couch Brewery located at 1351 Washington Blvd. Hours are from noon to eleven. Pita My Shawarma food truck will be serving food from 2:00 until they run out.

Beers available during the day:

Recliner: Their original stout. A perfect mix of roast and chocolate flavors.  Oatmeal adds a smooth and luxurious feel, CTZ hops add a light bitterness to balance the malt bill. An American oatmeal stout for any day of the week or time of the day.  7.3%ABV

Balding Eagle: Recliner aged in Liberty Pole Spirits Peated Bourbon barrels for 12 months. The peat adds plenty of smoke character.  A very unique and delicious BBA stout.

The Man with the Yellow Hat Banana: Like drinking a chocolate covered banana. Perfect dessert style beer with sweetness from added lactose.

Sofá Quemando Mexican: Burning Couch is chocolate, cinnamon, and a touch of heat from habanero. Their Mexican stout will take any chill out of the air.

Couple, Two, Tree: Lots of maple and pecan, two trees worth of flavor!

880 Yards Espress: Their neighbors at Commonplace Coffee made us some cold brew concentrate for this great coffee stout. Commonplace’s roastery and headquarters are literally half a mile up the road. Say hello to their neighbor with this fantastic beer.

Next to Mars: Next to Mars is back for 2019 Blackout! A slight tartness from the cranberry balances the chocolate malt flavor of Recliner. An exceptional and unique flavor.

Santa’s Off His Rocker: Think s’mores. Cinnamon graham cracker flavor. Added lactose to sweeten this dessert style stout.

Orange is the New Black: Orange Vanilla stout. Bright orange citrus is wonderful with the chocolate malt flavor.

Tiki Torch: Coconut Stout. Their tried and true, on draft whenever they feel like it, stout making a guest appearance at Blackout.