(Courtesy Revolution Brewing)

For all the talk about lagers, light beer, and drinkability in 2025, American stouts quietly had another excellent year. From bourbon barrel-aged bombs to clean, coffee-forward classics, brewers across the country continued to prove that the stout isn’t just a winter indulgence.

And it was a grest year fir he style…

American stouts in 2025 didn’t reinvent the category—they refined it. Brewers leaned into balance, clarity, and purpose, whether working with barrels, adjuncts, or nothing more than malt and yeast. In a year dominated by “drinkability” conversations , stouts quietly reminded everyone that depth and patience still matter.

So here are some of the best American stouts of 2025. Know that many of these stouts are limited releases, so if there out there, they’ve been out there for a while. But the good news is, all these stouts come with high-velocity ABVs and may even get better with age.

Revolution Brewing – Deth’s Tar (Barrel-Aged) Chicago, Illinois
ABV: 14%

A modern classic that never chases trends. Deth’s Tar is dense, roasty, and unapologetically old-school, with bourbon barrels adding structure rather than sweetness. In a year full of dessert stouts, this one stood out for its restraint.

Toppling Goliath – Kentucky Brunch Brand Stout Decorah, Iowa
ABV: 12%

Still the white whale of American stouts, KBBS remains absurdly rich without tipping into chaos. Maple syrup, espresso, and chocolate fudge glide over a massive barrel-aged base that somehow stays composed. In 2025, it continued to set the benchmark for pastry-leaning imperial stouts done right.

Fremont Brewing – Brew 1000 Seattle, Washington
ABV: ~13.5%

Released to celebrate Fremont’s 1,000th brew, this imperial stout showcased the brewery’s barrel-aging finesse. Layers of dark chocolate, toasted coconut, and oak came together with elegance, proving Fremont still belongs in the stout conversation’s top tier.

(Courtesy Goose Island Beer Company)

Goose Island – Bourbon County Brand Stout (2025) Chicago, Illinois
ABV: ~15%

The company that origionated the barrel-aged beer concept, Goose Island’s  Bourbon County Stout release is always worth a stout-lover’s attention. tGoose Island Beer Company released five different variants of the barrel-aged brand this season, in addition to the Original. They’re all aggressively high octane, with ABVs that hover around 15%, and they all have uber-interesting characteristics.

Bottle Logic – Darkstar November Anaheim, California
ABV: ~14%

Bottle Logic continued its science-meets-dessert approach with a stout that balanced sweetness and depth remarkably well. Notes of brownie batter, toasted marshmallow, and barrel char kept Darkstar November indulgent without becoming cloying.

Tree House Brewing – Moment of Clarity Charlton, Massachusetts
ABV: ~7.8%

Known primarily for hazy IPAs, Tree House quietly produced one of the cleanest non-barrel stouts of the year. Chocolate malt, fresh-brewed coffee, and a silky mouthfeel made this proof that finesse doesn’t require a bourbon barrel—or double-digit alcohol.

Side Project Brewing – Derivation Blend #X Maplewood, Missouri
ABV: ~14.2%

Side Project continued its near-mythical run with another meticulous Derivation blend. Each sip revealed layers—vanilla bean, dark fruit, and oak—assembled with the precision of a winemaker. This was contemplative stout drinking at its best.

(Courtesy Prairie Artisan Ales)

Prairie Artisan Ales – Pirate Bomb! Krebs, Oklahoma
ABV: 13.5%

A return to form for Prairie, Pirate Bomb! delivered intensity without excess. Coffee, chocolate, and spice notes rode atop a muscular base that stayed surprisingly drinkable. It reminded drinkers why Prairie helped define modern American stout culture.

Anchorage Brewing – Blessed (Barrel-Aged) Anchorage, Alaska
ABV: ~14%

Anchorage’s farmhouse sensibility carried over into this elegant stout. Less sweet, more layered, and lightly oxidative in the best way, Blessed felt more like a dark ale meant to be savored slowly than a dessert replacement.

Perennial Artisan Ales – Abraxas (2025 Release) St. Louis, Missouri
ABV: ~11%

Chilies, cacao, cinnamon, and vanilla returned in balance for the 2025 release of Abraxas. It remained bold but refined, proving that even heavily spiced stouts can age gracefully when built on a solid foundation.

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