Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout

Samuel Smith’s Organic Chocolate Stout by Samuel Smith’s Brewery falls under the BJCP 2021 category 30A as a Spice, Vegetable and Herb Beer due to the addition of cocoa with an undefined base that probably falls closest to 16A Sweet Stout. Although 16A beers are typically associated with milk stouts, the use of lactose is not a requirement to the style. These types of beers are similar to an oatmeal stout, but with more sweetness.

This beer pours a very dark brown color, approaching black, yet still transparent around the edges. It is topped with a large dense foamy tan head that hangs around and clings to the sides of the glass. The aroma is very sweet and predominantly milk chocolate, like chocolate mousse with a light roast as well as notes of raisin and caramel. It’s like a freshly unwrapped 3 Musketeers bar after pouring out the Halloween bag of candy. The flavor is similar, but brings the chocolate and sweetness up another notch. It also takes on a nutty, toasted character. It’s decadent and sweet like French silk pie sprinkled with toasted sugar, espresso powder and bits of toffee bark. It’s even smooth and silky on the palate, with a creamy, moderately full body and moderately low carbonation. Although the sweetness and sugary notes are high, there is just enough bitterness to avoid being cloying. The low bitterness is about the only hint that hops are in this, but there is a faint earthiness from them as well that meshes well with the chocolate notes. There are also moderate British esters throwing out dry and dark fruits, like craisins, dried apricot, black cherry and figs.

The big notes of milk chocolate put this beer as a great pairing with dessert. However, it’s no dessert in a can and could be enjoyed on any rainy day or by the fire pit on a cool summer night. The chocolate is definitely prominent, but there is enough beer character along with it to keep you from thinking it’s just a glass of melting chocolate.