Beer of the Week: Scuttlebutt Brewery’s Blackfish Stout

Blackfish Stout

Scuttlebutt Brewing, Everett

Style: Stout

Stats: 7.8 percent ABV, 39 IBU

Available: On tap at the brewery and in 22-ounce bottles at most post exchanges on military bases in the Pacific Northwest.

My thoughts: It’s only fitting that the beer pouring at the commissioning ceremony for the newest Virginia-class fast attack submarine — the USS Washington — will be this one from one of Washington’s longest running breweries.

Scuttlebutt was contacted by the Navy Commissioning Committee of the USS Washington earlier this year to see if it could produce a beer for the ceremony. Soon, the Everett brewery will be sending 35 cases of Blackfish Stout to Newport, Virginia, for the ceremony on Oct. 7. The beer will also be sent to many post exchanges on military bases around the Pacific Northwest, helping slake thirsty sailors.

The USS Washington, the third Navy ship named for the state of Washington and the first since World War II, will be the most technologically advanced — and least expensive — submarine in service. According to a Navy press release, the submarine is 7,800 tons and 377 feet in length and can operate at 25 knots when submerged.

It’s a powerful sub and this is a powerful beer. Deep and dark, the balance of roasty qualities mingle well with a slight sweetness, making the beer drinkable and interesting at the same time.

Scuttlebutt’s nautical theme is a perfect partner for the Navy, but it was a high-ranking Navy official’s love for Scuttlebutt’s restaurant that cinched the deal. The central image of the ship’s crest is the submarine surging from the waters of the Puget Sound, with a Native American depiction of an orca whale. It also pays homage to many Washington state icons, including Mount Rainier, the Seattle skyline and evergreen trees.

It all sits atop the ship’s name and motto, “Preserving Peace, Prepared for War.”

Scuttlebutt can now add: “Perpetuating bliss.”

From the brewery: A beer as black as the depths as the USS Washington will operate, complex in structure. Northwest two-row, Victory malt, rolled oats and roasted barley make up the malt bill. Nugget and Cascade hops provide support.

More new releases:

Hazed and Confused, Lake Stevens Brewing: New England-style hazy IPA brewed with flaked oats, Simcoe and Mosaic hops. Available at the brewery, including during this weekend’s Aquafest.

Coco-Nuts, Whitewall Brewing: The brewery’s flagship robust porter finished on 2 pounds per barrel of toasted coconut. Available at the brewery.

Sour Drop Berliner Weisse, Double Bluff Brewing: Served with raspberry or stinging nettle syrup, a nice tart and refreshing summer sour. Available at the brewery.