With the World Cup well underway, I thought a beer named Hooligan Stout was the perfect complement to pick up on a recent weekend trip over to Spokane. As I was rummaging around in the fridge for something to help celebrate a birthday this weekend, it seemed like the right time to pull it out. That and the 4-1 total drubbing Germany put on England in the knock out round. I’m never quite sure – is it a big win or a big loss that tends to bring out the hooligans?

Hooligan Stout is brewed by Old Schoolhouse Brewery in Winthrop, WA, a town I had to look up to have any idea where it is. Let’s just say you have to zoom way out on Google Maps before finding the closest recognizable larger town.  Located in a old schoolhouse (you knew that was coming) complete with bell tower, this two year old brewery and restaurant looks like it is having good fun with its beers.

Hooligan stout pours black with a small, off-white head that disappears fairly fast. Then again, its quick disappearance could be my pour or glass. It has a full mouth-feel and starts off a bit creamy and sweet before finishing with a nice amount of roasted malt, chocolate and hop bitterness. The creaminess comes partly from the addition of oatmeal.  It runs approximately 7% abv. I found a bottle at Enoteca in Post Falls, ID and haven’t seen it around Missoula or Western Montana.  It is a quality beer and next time I’m over towards Spokane I’ll be on the look out for one Old Schoolhouse’s other choices such as Epiphany Pale Ale or Uncle Big’s Brown.