The Top 5 Must-Try Dark Beers
Whether you’re a dark beer lover or you’re just entering the world of these deep delights, check out these 5 must-try dark beers.
By Shira Kogut on Jun. 12, 2017
Left Hand Brewing – Milk Stout Nitro
ABV: 6% IBU: 25 SRM: 47
Taking America Back. Dark & delicious, America’s great milk stout will change your perception about what a stout can be. Pouring hard out of the bottle, Milk Stout Nitro cascades beautifully, building a tight, thick head like hard whipped cream. The aroma is of brown sugar and vanilla cream, with hints of roasted coffee. The pillowy head coats your upper lip and its creaminess entices your palate. Initial roasty, mocha flavors rise up, with slight hop & roast bitterness in the finish. The rest is pure bliss of milk chocolate fullness.
Licorne – Black
ABV: 6%
In keeping with the Licorne tradition, let yourself be tempted by the mysterious bouquet of Licorne Black. A smooth stout, the first aromas that come through are fruity and enriched with a delicate bitterness. As you drink it, it progressively reveals notes of coffee and caramel, finally opening out to become a warm, mild beer. A very dark brown, clear with fine rust reflections in the light. Its foam has the colour and consistency of the foam on an iced coffee.
Rogue – Chocolate Stout
ABV: 5.8% IBU: 69
Ebony in color with a rich creamy head. An earthy flavor of oats and hops that gives way to a rich chocolate truffle finish.
Whistler Brewing – Chestnut Ale
ABV: 5%
Valley Trail Chestnut Ale is a true reflection of the fall season. The roasted chestnuts impart a unique, bold nutty character with vanilla notes. Meanwhile, the blend of robust caramel and crystal malts give the brew a deep brown amber hue. Drink it while you can as this small batch, limited release brew will only be around for the fall season.
New Belgium – Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout
ABV: 9% IBU: 35
This collaboration with Perennial Artisan Ales pairs two favorites: chocolate and beer. Dessert is best poured. And the brewers at Perennial agree. So for New Belgium’s next Lips of Faith release they dreamt up a beer that would bring together chocolate sweetness, Belgian yeast, deeply roasted malts and just the right shake of salt to pour a creamy stout worthy of a cherry on top.