Somewhere in the harsh lands where lava flows have stopped, a beer masterpiece is born – not from the gentleness of nature, but from the fierceness of the earth and sky. Malpais Stout Not just a drink, but a dark symphony crystallized from the sun and wind of New Mexico, where each malt grain carries within it a story of resilience and passion.
There, in the scorching sun and cold starry nights, the artist Jeff Erway has brewed dreams into each barrel of beer. This shiny black liquid contains a whole sky of memories – the aroma of the stove, the bitterness of roasted coffee, and the bitter sweetness of dark chocolate. It makes people enjoy it with their heart, not just their taste buds.
This is the beer for those moments when you want to slow down, when the yellow light casts shadows on the old wooden table, and the world outside the window seems to stop spinning. Malpais Stout It doesn't get you drunk – it sobers you up to realize that sometimes the deepest things come from the boldest things.
1. La Cumbre: Where Beer Flavors Soar From Peak Dreams
Year 2010, in the heart Albuquerque In the heat of the summer, a former chemical engineer named Jeff Erway ignited the craft beer revolution. From a small kitchen in 2005, his first drops of nectar matured into La Cumbre Brewing Co. – a name that carries the aspiration to reach the “top” (The Cumbre in Spanish).
Only one year later, the craft beer world was shocked when their Elevated IPA reached the pinnacle of glory at the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). But La Cumbre didn’t stop there: 2016 saw the brewery triple in size, and 2020 landed them in the “Top 10 Breweries in the World” (RateBeer) list – a testament to their philosophy. “Every can of beer is a work of art”.
Along with the first year of sparkling gold medals, Malpais Stout born as a black symphony. Its name recalls "bad land" (malpais) – where New Mexico volcanic lava carves out a rich, tart, yet breathtakingly seductive flavor. Each sip is a journey through roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and a hint of vanilla from local beans – the essence of the American Southwest.
2. Malpais Stout: Seductive Black Men From Passionate Low Notes
Not Just an Ordinary Stout, Malpais Stout is a masterpiece of top-fermented Ale – where malts are brewed at high temperatures, sublimating into a rich, complex and enchanting flavor. Belonging to the Foreign/Export Stout line, it carries the power of ancient sea voyages, when sailors needed a beer strong enough, bold enough to cross the ocean
Dark black like the New Mexico desert night, almost no light penetrates. The thick creamy brown foam hugs the sides of the glass, like clouds hovering over lava.
With 7.5% ABV, Malpais Stout is much stronger than its regular Stout brothers (like Guinness which is only about 4.2%). But that strength is not rough – it is exquisite control by:
Bitterness (IBU 50–60) just enough to stimulate the taste buds, combined with the deep sweetness of malt. The aroma of roasted coffee, rich dark chocolate, and a hint of warm vanilla - all create a "miniature world" in every sip of beer.
When you click your lips, full-bodied will flood the palate, bringing a silky smooth feeling. But then, the finish is surprisingly dry - the mark of a thoroughly fermented yeast, leaving a slightly bitter aftertaste, with a hint of smoke like a message from the volcanic land.
3. The Art of Enjoying Malpais Stout: A Dance for the Senses
3.1. Temperature & Beer Glass: A Subtle Moment of Harmony
Take it easy! Let Malpais Stout sublimes at 12–14°C – the golden temperature threshold allows the notes of roasted malt, bitter coffee and dark chocolate to speak. Too cold will numb the taste buds, but too warm will make the 7.5% alcohol harsh. Think of it as a fine wine – patience is needed to appreciate each layer of aroma.
- Pint Glass (Nonic/Tumbler): Classic cup with wide body, stable heat retention, foam layer thick creamy brown slowly settling like sunset over the desert.
- Snifter/Tulip: If you want to immerse yourself in the aromatic foreplay, the tulip-shaped glass will concentrate every lingering note of smoke, vanilla, and caramel.
3.2. Companion: Emotional Harmonies
Malpais Stout was born to break all the usual rules of coordination:
- Smoked Grill: A juicy beef burger or BBQ ribs covered in honey sauce will make the bitterness of beer surprisingly gentle.
- Dessert: Take a bite of 70% dark chocolate and sip some beer – you'll see the stars flash in your mouth.
- Cheese: Blue cheese with a rich savory flavor or rich Aged Cheddar will elevate the sweetness of malt to a new level.
3.3. Space: When Time Stops
Invite Malpais Stout to appear on these occasions:
- Cold winter night: Full body and warm smoky scent will embrace you like a woolen blanket.
- After a sumptuous dinner: Replace dessert wine with a glass of Stout caramel and coffee lingering on the tip of the tongue.
- Beer tasting party: Place next to other Stouts/Porters to get a feel unique boldness of Malpais – as a soloist among the choir.
4. Laurel Wreaths Are Not Just Numbers
Year 2011, at the first appearance at Great American Beer Festival (GABF), Malpais Stout won the Gold Medal in the Foreign-Style Stout category – a statement of uncompromising quality. Four years later, the same category bowed to its mettle with Silver Medal (2015).
Arrive World Beer Cup 2016, Malpais Stout Top 3 Export Stouts global – a testament to its ability to cross borders to become an international standard. On the RateBeer rankings, it maintains an impressive 94/100, and is also in the Top 10 American Stouts (2018) – standing tall in the exploding sea of craft beers.
But perhaps the greatest prize is the way each barrel of this beer makes the drinker fall silent for the first moment, then exclaim: “This is the Stout I've been looking for!” – because in the end, recognition from the heart is the most valuable glory.
5Conclusion: Prelude for the Passionate Heart
You came like a strange wind from the land Malpais – where dry lava turns into a mysterious, captivating black liquid. Each drop of Malpais Stout is a story told in flavor: bitter like nostalgia, sweet like unspoken love, and passionate like a winter night fire.
This is not a beer for the rush. I'm for the soul. know how to listen - hear the whisper of roasted malt, the hoarse laughter of thoroughly fermented yeast, and the sigh of highland coffee beans. You are a black love song written specifically for long sleepless nights, when people want to find a soulmate in a cup, instead of looking for oblivion.
And then when the glass is empty, I will leave it on your lips dry aftertaste, like a lingering farewell – because true love, like a great glass of Stout, always ends in an unforgettable aftertaste.
