The other night, I was feeling a little peckish. Rather than grab a box of Oreos, I pulled out a bottle of Chocolate Stout. I am a big fan of Samuel Smith’s (love the Oatmeal Stout and the Winter Welcome; and the Benevolents enjoy the Organic Apricot Ale) and have tried most of their lineup (at least what I can get my hands on at Kress Liquors or Roger Wilco at Eagle Plaza). So, it should come as no surprise that I picked up the Chocolate Stout partly because I like the style but mostly because it was from Samuel Smith. An added plus, the beer is certified organic by the USDA and is registered with the Vegan Society as suitable for vegans and vegetarians. After reading that, I am fairly certain that this means that the Chocolate Stout is good for me and I should drink this more often.

Before we get to my review, here is what Samuel Smith has to say about the Organic Chocolate Stout:

Brewed with well water (the original well, sunk in 1758, is still in use with the hard water is drawn from 85 feet underground), the gently roasted organic chocolate malt and organic cocoa impart a delicious, smooth and creamy character, with inviting deep flavours and a delightful finish – this is the perfect marriage of satisfying stout and luxurious chocolate.

I found the beer to be…

• Appearance: About a dark a beer as I have ever had with lots of tan foam.
• Aroma: Sweet malt with a little bit of dough and then a big blast of dark chocolate.
• Taste: Full-bodied and creamy like a hopped chocolate shake. This is sweet but not overpowering with a full flavor of chocolate that has only a slight hint of bitterness in the finish.
• ABV: 5%

This might be my new favorite dessert beer. And, I would offer this up in any discussion about dessert beers and food pairings. This would be fantastic with cheesecake or vanilla ice cream. The only drawback; like most dessert beers, it is probably a little too sweet to have more than one. Once again, I say to Samuel Smith – well done!