“Life is like a box of chocolates,” said the ’90s everyman, Forest Gump. “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
And, of course, he was right. Especially on Valentine’s Day, when boxes of chocolates are worth their weight in gold. And especially when that box of chocolates is really a six-pack of chocolate beer.
Let me explain.
Many dark beers taste chocolaty because of the dark, roasted grains that make up the stuff. When darkened, the roasted grains, which also provide the sugary and malty taste in beer, provide that lovely and savory chocolaty-caramel flavor that’s so perfect in the winter months – and even better when sipped on Valentine’s Day with a love by your side.
But which chocolate-forward brews are best? Would you like to know seven really good ones? Great!
Chocolate Stout
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLfoW4uhf5f/
While Rogue’s Double Chocolate Stout (in the cool all-red bottle) is only available in the summer (Boo!), their Chocolate Stout is available all year-round (yay!). It’s strong-but-not-too-strong, highly-expert-rated brew from Oregon.
Turbodog
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLrg2NVhGrO
A dark brown ale made with several different malts, this chocolaty brew has hits some nice toffee notes. It’s sort of like the best candy from the box of chocolates — not that weird one with nougat!
Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout
https://www.instagram.com/p/04RAkjCIE8
From the brewery that brought you the beloved Fat Tire beer, this collaboration with Perennial Artisan Ales has its fans repeating the tagline, “Dessert is best poured!” And that is especially true when the dessert is 9% alcohol.
Sexual Chocolate
https://www.instagram.com/p/yhN2RrCs7e/?taken-at=130877
Not only is this a good beer, it’s name (and beer label) also gets you in the mood for cuddle time. And it might just the perfect thing to loosen any anxiety on a first or second date, clocking in at just under 10% ABV. Yowza!
Black Chocolate Stout
https://www.instagram.com/p/BO-MCmYDa8y
The brewers of this one advise, “Properly kept, it will improve in the bottle for many years.” For you patient folks out there, good luck with that!
Yeti Chocolate Imperial Stout
https://www.instagram.com/p/BP13GuYBbJb
Meant to taste like a “gourmet chocolate bar,” this brew has both chocolate and vanilla notes, with an added dash of cayenne to spice up your tongue (and perhaps your love life!).
Choklat Imperial Stout
https://www.instagram.com/p/9kJVyeQtrg
And now we get to the age-old question of what to pair the beer with? The brewers of this bountiful beer suggest mint truffles or mascarpone cheese or pound cake. Or even vanilla bean ice cream. I’m officially in love.
