Akronym Brewing Takes Silver at Stout It Out Loud with “DT” Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout
The stout world gathered once again for one of Northeast Ohio’s most anticipated dark-beer celebrations, the Stout It Out Loud Festival, hosted annually by The Butcher and The Brewer. The event, known for pairing incredible stouts with fresh oysters and showcasing some of the region’s most creative brewers, kicked off the 2026 Cleveland Beer Week Styles Series in unforgettable fashion.
Among a field of outstanding entries, Akronym Brewing proudly took home the SILVER medal with a powerhouse beer simply known as DT.
A Barrel-Aged Collaboration Built for the Podium
DT is not just another stout. This massive 16% ABV barrel-aged blend brings together two extraordinary beers:
Deimos from Akronym Brewing
Tunguska from The Brew Kettle Brewery & Pubs
After blending, the beer was aged for an incredible 36 months in bourbon barrels, allowing time, oak, and spirit character to weave together a deep and complex profile. The result is a stout layered with rich chocolate, dark roast, oak warmth, and the smooth intensity only extended barrel aging can create.
The judges clearly took notice. DT earned Silver and Second Best in Show, placing it among the elite stouts presented at this year’s festival.
A Unique Year for the Competition
This year’s competition had a surprising twist. While previous years were dominated by big adjunct-laden imperial stouts, the Gold Medal went in a completely different direction.
2026 Stout It Out Loud Medalists:
🥇 Gold – Great Lakes Brewing Company
Conway’s Irish Stout – 4.8% ABV
A classic, non-adjuncted Dry Irish Stout that impressed judges with balance and tradition.
🥈 Silver – Akronym Brewing
DT – 16% ABV
Blend of Deimos and Tunguska aged 36 months in bourbon barrels.
🥉 Bronze – Hofbräuhaus Cleveland
BBA Kaiser – 10% ABV
A bold stout aged in bourbon barrels.
Honorable Mention:
Forest City Brewery – Rye BA Quad du Diable (12% ABV)
A rye barrel-aged Belgian quad featuring notes of dark fruit, vanilla, oak, and caramel.
People’s Choice Award:
Eleventhree Brewing – The Burj (15% ABV)
An indulgent Dubai Chocolate Pistachio Imperial Stout that captured the crowd vote.
Don’t Miss Your Chance to Try DT
Award-winning barrel-aged beers rarely stick around long, especially one with this level of craftsmanship and aging behind it. If you’re a fan of big, complex imperial stouts, DT is a glass worth seeking out.
With three years in bourbon barrels, every sip delivers layers of flavor that unfold slowly. It’s bold, rich, and exactly the kind of beer that makes festivals like Stout It Out Loud legendary.
If you see DT from Akronym Brewing on tap, grab a glass before it disappears. Beers like this don’t come around often, and when they do, they tend to vanish quickly. 🍻
