Do you like beer? Do you like chocolate? Do you like Fort Collins Chocolate Stout? If so, have I got a treat for you, a beer you’re likely to enjoy twice as much. The beer in question: Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout, a bigger, bolder version of a classic dark malty stout. Just like that delightful brew, however, you would never guess that there’s actually no chocolate in this beer. Well, maybe you would now that I’ve told you so, but you get the idea.

You see, this beer gets its distinct chocolaty flavor from roasted malt and barley, not from chocolate. Roasting malt is not all that different from roasting cocoa beans, though and so not surprisingly you can get chocolate-like flavors from malt. Here’s what the brewery says about this beer, from the label:

The most decadent creation ever to be crafted in FCB’s brewhouse. Deep roasty flavors, rich chocolate nose, coffee undertones and impeccable balance are the result of imperializing an already flawless brew.  

This is a seasonal brew for Fort Collins arriving in late fall and sold through the winter, or until it runs out.

Fort Collins Double Chocolate Stout pours to a jet black color with a light creamy tan head formation and a robust licorice nose. That licorice carries through to the palate where it is the dominant flavor and then some. I, of course, happen to love licorice so that’s a good thing. There’s a hint of powdery cocoa and espresso, too, and perhaps some soft fruit as well. It’s the licorice I love most about this one, though. Sipping Fort Collins Chocolate Stout is almost drinking bottle of Panda licorice sticks. Odd, that, since this is Double Chocolate Stout, not Double Licorice Stout. You won’t find me complaining all the same.

In the finish, there’s a formidable roasty bitterness and some grassy bitter hops, too. A little alcohol warmth pokes through, thought at 8.1% by volume this one is not as big as many of today’s imperial stouts that top 10%. A beer that should age for a few years as well, I think. I bought mine in January of 2011, and I am just getting around to popping it in November. But this wonderful brew should be hitting store shelves near you before long as I type.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

 



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