Spirit Cruises January 2023 Leaderboard

Beer Review: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

by Tara Nurin on Jan 30, 2012 in Beer
Beer Review: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout

When you’re looking for a chocolate beer, Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is one to reach for first. A leader in the category, sipping this Russian Imperial is like biting into an unsweetened candy bar made of almost unadulterated cocoa.

The brew has many elements to which you could apply the word “intense.” Intense dark color. Intense structure. Intense alcohol fumes. Intense stickiness in the head and intense bitterness to the flavor. In fact, a black hole might seem relaxed compared to this.

A drinker expecting a milk chocolate or sugar flavor to greet their palate might be unnerved by the comparatively bitter tone of the first few sips. There’s zero Hershey’s Kiss to this liquid; it’s pure dark chocolate from first taste to final swallow. But the ten-percenter loosens up as it warms up, and with the rising temperature offers more of a dark fruit fig or prune essence, which coats the tongue with the childhood memory of licking the bowl after Mom pours the chocolate cake batter into a mold. 

Sold in four-packs and kegs, the brewery supposedly ships the beer October through March, but by my estimation, it’s not even February and at least one major regional distributor is sold out and not expecting any more this year. Point is, if you see it, drink it. In fact, buy two. Drink one and save the other for a couple of years.

Because Brooklyn’s brewmaster is Garrett Oliver, presiding master over the kingdom of food-friendly brewers, the beer is perfect for pairing. Garrett recommends chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, cheesecake, or strong cheeses like Stilton. He also suggests using it as the base for a spicy Mexican-style vanilla ice cream float (tip: fill the glass with beer first, then add ice cream) but at my house, a bottle of the beer makes a scrumptious addition to our favorite gooey double chocolate brownie recipe. Just make sure to add lots of sugar.

Top photo via Flickr user Bernt Rostad

Recent Articles
spacer

Feedback

How are we doing? Tell us what you like or don't like and how we can improve. We would love to hear your thoughts!

*Name:
*E-mail:
*Suggestions:
 
The Best Bookstores in Philadelphia & the Best Bars Near Them, Vol. 1

The Best Bookstores in Philadelphia & the Best Bars Near Them, Vol. 1

We've rounded up some of the best bookstores in Philadelphia and the perfect spot to grab a drink after with y...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Aug 20, 2025
These Philly Bartenders Are Prioritizing Health & Wellness Through Industry Tennis Club

These Philly Bartenders Are Prioritizing Health & Wellness Through "Industry Tennis Club"

On a spring morning, Fishtown's Court16 is packed with a group of bartenders and servers from Philadelphia's t...read more ›

by Alisha Miranda Aug 12, 2025
The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

The Drink Nation Presents: The Home Bar Project

Have you ever dreamed of having an amazing home bar, filled with bottles you actually use and the tools you need to execute a fine crafted cocktail? E...read more ›

by The Drink Nation Nov 14, 2014
SPONSORED
Spirit Cruises January 2023 Desktop Bottom Rectangle 1
 Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Cocktails Quarterly: Best Bars to Drink in Philly, Summer 2025

Welcome to Cocktails Quarterly - Drink Philly's newest segment showcasing the best bars (new and old) where you should be getting a drink...read more ›

by Drink Philly Aug 5, 2025
Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Local Winery Spotlight: Vox Vineti Wines

Ed Lazzerini says his goal is clear - to make world class wine in Pennsylvania. From the taste of it, he is well on his way. ...read more ›

by Drink Philly Nov 21, 2020
Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Amá: Inside Look at Philly's Mexican Bar that Wants to Be More Than Just Margaritas

Under the El on the corner of Front and Oxford is where you'll find this completely open-wall modern Mexican c...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jul 22, 2025
There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

There's Now a Tiki Bar Overlooking the Delaware River in Philly

This summer Liberty Point welcomes River Tiki, a vibrant new 120-seat pop-up bar, to their upper level overlooking the waterfront...read more ›

by Michelle Cryder Jul 1, 2025
Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Behind the Bar: Jesse Andreozzi (aka Mr. Zero Proof) of Phony Negroni

Since going completely alcohol-free four years ago, Jesse has become the go-to expert in Philadelphia on all t...read more ›

by Drink Philly Jun 3, 2025
Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

Best Tequila and Mezcal Bars in Philadelphia

With hot summer weather right around the corner, we wanted to highlight some of the best spots in Philly to enjoy a huge variety of tequilas and mezca...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 29, 2025
Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

Best Bars for Outdoor Drinking in Philadelphia, 2025

We've got your definitive list of where to drink outside in Philadelphia...read more ›

by Drink Philly Apr 22, 2025
SPONSORED
View all Articles

Sign up to get weekly drinking news, bar reviews, events and more sent directly to your inbox!

Close