Can you spot the chocolate stout? — Photo courtesy of Image courtesy of Sograte.com
Traditionally brewed with darker, more aromatic malt, lending a flavor similar to chocolate and just enough hops to develop a bittersweet finish, some chocolate stouts go the extra mile and include actual chocolate in their recipes.
The creamy, rich black brew often referred to as “decadent” or “indulgent” is served with a twist at breweries like Perennial Artisan Ales in St. Louis where they they’re turning it up to 11. 11.5% to be exact. That’s the alcohol by volume associated with their Abraxas imperial Mexican chocolate stout. A beer which apparently conjures up notes of a brown sugar cinnamon pop tart, according to Alehead writer, Kid Carboy Jr.
In Berkeley, California, Bison Brewery takes your chocolate stout and goes organic, practicing sustainability and urging their consumers to “Drink Neutral” by signing up with their carbon offset program. The award-winning “roasty dry stout” uses cocoa powder and a blend of five organic malts to achieve their Best of Show bragging rights.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout — Photo courtesy of Image courtesy of Vodkitchen.com
Other places to enjoy a pint:
Wells Young’s Brewing Company: Young’s Double Chocolate Stout; Bedford, United Kingdom. Available November through January, this beer is 5.9% and has been brewed since 2008.
Harpoon Brewery: Chocolate Stout-Limited Edition; Boston, Massachusetts.
Fort Collins Brewery: Chocolate Stout & Seasonal Double Chocolate Stout; Fort Collins, Colorado. (FCB’s Seasonal Double Chocolate Stout is available through February but the medium-bodied, velvety smooth Chocolate Stout is always around.)
Rogue Ales Brewery: Chocolate Stout & Double Chocolate Stout; Newport, Oregon
