(Portland, ME) – Allagash Brewing Co. released Red Howes Russian Imperial Stout with Cranberries last Saturday. There was still some left at the brewery as of Thursday but may still be worth it to call ahead.

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Red Howes is the brainchild of Allagash employee, Jeff “Oly” Olson.

Oly grew up in a family of cranberry farmers. Red Howes is not only a variety of cranberry but also happened to be the name of Oly’s grandfather. Oly spent much of his childhood with his grandfather in the cranberry bogs, developing a love of farming and music (Oly’s other occupation).

Black in color with a creamy beige head, Red Howes is a stout brewed with 2-Row barley, a blend of roasted malts and 3,000lbs of local cranberries, both Red Howes and Early Black varieties. The finished beer has cocoa, coffee and berries in the aroma and flavors of dried fruit and bitter chocolate with a slight tartness and a dry, lingering finish. 8.5 % ABV.