10 best chocolate beers to try for Valentine’s Day

StuffPoint

Valentine’s Day typically means you’re stuck drinking wine. If you bring chocolate beer to the table though you might just be able to pull off trading in the grapes for hops. These 10 chocolate beers, in no particular order, are great options if you pull off the ultimate coup.

Arcadia Ales – Cocoa Loco

ArcadiaAles

“This triple chocolate stout is a unique interpretation of the style, combining three different chocolate malts, cacao nibs and 63 percent semi-sweet chocolate, creating a sinfully delicious brew. The addition of blackstrap molasses produces an earthy, caramelized tone in an already complex flavor profile. It’s creamy, milkshake-like mouthfeel earns this beer the distinction of being dessert in glass.”

Foothills Brewing – Sexual Chocolate

FoothillsBrewery

“A cocoa infused Imperial Stout – Opaque black in color with a dark brown head. Big chocolate aroma with notes of espresso, blackstrap molasses, dark sweet toffee and dark fruit. Smooth dark chocolate backbone with complex notes of coffee, dark toffee and dark fruit.”

Harpoon Brewery – Chocolate Stout

Harpoon

“Appearance: Black with a rich creamy head

Aroma: Dark malt and dark chocolate aromas

Mouth feel: lots of body

Taste: Big roasted malt, cocoa bean flavor

Finish: Finishes with a slight acrid taste from the dark malts used in making this beer to balance out the sweetness.”

Rouge Ales – Double Chocolate Stout

Rogue

“Double Chocolate Stout is an evolution of Rogue Chocolate Stout, which is flavored with imported Dutch bittersweet chocolate. In 2010, Double Chocolate Stout received a Gold Medal at the World Beer Championships.”

Sam Adams – The Vixen

SamAdams

“Dark, rich and enticing with a spicy kick. The Vixen is smooth and rich with an enticing touch of sweetness that ends with a spicy heat. For this unique brew we used carefully roasted malts and dark cocoa nibs for a full bodied and slightly sweet flavor. To this roasty and chocolaty base we added an element of warmth and spice with cinnamon and chilies. Dark and alluring, this brew will keep you captivated.”

Boulevard Brewing – Chocolate Ale

BoulevardBrewing

“Elbow and Boulevard brewmaster Steven Pauwels sought to harmonize the interplay of chocolate and malt, with each supporting and enhancing, but not overwhelming, the other. Just the right chocolate was essential. Elbow recommended a rare variety from the Dominican Republic, prized for its robust flavor and aroma, and a personal favorite. More than a mere flavoring, the chocolate — in the form of nibs, or crushed, roasted beans – was incorporated into the brewing process itself.”

New Glarus Brewing – Chocolate Abbey

NewGlarus

“This decadent Chocolate Abbey Ale is a lovely trifle for your senses. Brewed with a proprietary Belgian yeast and English Maris Otter Malt it is smooth and rich. Inspired by a recent tour of Europe and brewed with chocolate we enjoyed there. Subtle Segal Ranch hops promote the rich dark chocolate flavors of this rather strong Dubbel. Best served at 48 °F. An elegant excuse to linger after dinner.”
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Brewery Ommegang – Chocolate Indulgence

BreweryOmmegang

“Chocolate Indulgence comes with a thick tan head of foam resting on top of the rich onyx-colored liquid. The aroma immediately speaks of dark chocolate and dark malts. The gentle herbal nose of Perle hops compliments the darker notes, making the beer savory to the senses. The taste continues with the intense Belgian dark chocolate gliding across the tongue; starting sweet up front but giving way to rich cocoa flavors at the back. Through it all, a subtle fruitiness from our special Belgian yeast gives the beer brightness otherwise foreign to a beer style normally associated with gray foggy skies. Lingering chocolate entices the drinker to taste more. Go ahead. Dessert is good for the soul.”

Southern Tier – Choklat

SouthernTier

“STYLE: Imperial Stout brewed with Chocolate

ABV: 10.0%

FERMENTATION: Ale yeast, two varieties of hops, four types of malts, bittersweet Belgian chocolate

COLOR: Opaque, very dark brown

EFFERVESCENCE: Lightly carbonated

NOSE: Chocolate, sweet caramel notes, hints of vanilla

FLAVOR: Chocolate, dark cherries, lightly woody and bittersweet”

Great Divide Brewing – Chocolate Oak Aged Yeti Stout

GreatDivide

“CHOCOLATE OAK AGED YETI IMPERIAL STOUT is another revered incarnation of our legendary imperial stout. We toned down the hops a bit to allow cocoa nibs to contribute some pleasing bitterness, while vanilla notes from the oak combine with the cocoa to create an aroma and flavor akin to a gourmet chocolate bar. A dash of cayenne keeps things lively, adding just a bit of heat to the finish. Another great Yeti? Hell yes.”