Who says wine gets the exclusive on Valentine’s Day? At The Growler Guys, we make the argument that stout and chocolate is the ultimate Valentine’s Day duo. Rich, complex, and endlessly cozy, stouts perfectly complement a wide range of chocolates. Whether you’re planning a romantic night in, building a dessert board, or just looking for an excuse to indulge, here’s your guide to the best stout and chocolate pairings to fall in love with this Valentine’s Day.
What Are the Best Stout and Chocolate Pairings?
1. Milk Stout + Milk Chocolate
Milk stouts are smooth, creamy, and, thanks to the addition of lactose, slightly sweet. These qualities are what make them a natural partner for classic milk chocolate. The chocolate’s sweet flavor enhances the stout’s creamy mouthfeel, while the roasted malt flavors keep the pairing from being overly sugary.
This is a great starter pairing if you’re new to beer and chocolate combinations. Think chocolate bars, chocolate-covered pretzels, or even a box of Valentine’s Day truffles. It’s a combo that’s comforting, approachable, and perfect for sharing.
2. Oatmeal Stout + Dark Chocolate
Oatmeal stouts have a silky texture and subtle nutty flavors that shine when paired with dark chocolate. For this combo, look for chocolate in the 60-75% cacao range. That’s rich enough to stand up to the beer’s roasted character without overpowering it.
The bitterness in dark chocolate complements the stout’s coffee and cocoa notes, creating a balanced, grown-up pairing that feels decadent but not heavy. This perfect match is ideal for a relaxed evening by the fire or the centerpiece of a dessert flight.
3. Chocolate Stout + Chocolate Truffles
When in doubt, double down – there’s no such thing as too much chocolate. Chocolate stouts are brewed with cocoa nibs or chocolate malt. This makes them a dream match for chocolate-forward desserts. Pair one with chocolate truffles, brownies, or flourless chocolate cake for a truly indulgent experience.
You can elevate this pairing with flavored truffles like raspberry, sea salt, or espresso. The subtle flavor accents highlight different layers in the stout to turn dessert into a full tasting experience.
4. Imperial Stout + Bittersweet Chocolate
Imperial stouts are bold, high-ABV beers with deep fruit, coffee, and roasted malt flavors. They were made for bittersweet chocolate that has enough intensity to match their strength.
This stout and chocolate pairing is rich, warming, and meant to be savored slowly. In other words, it’s perfect for a Valentine’s Day nightcap. A small pour of imperial stout with a few squares of quality chocolate is all you need to end the evening on a high note.
5. Barrel-Aged Stout + Chocolate with Caramel or Toffee
Barrel-aged stouts bring notes of vanilla, oak, bourbon, or whiskey into the mix, which makes them phenomenal with chocolates that include caramel, toffee, or a touch of sea salt.
The sweetness of the chocolate highlights the stout’s barrel character, while the stout’s complexity keeps the pairing balanced. This combo is a great choice if you’re looking to impress a fellow beer lover or if you’re looking to try something a little more adventurous.
Build Your Own Valentine’s Day Pairing at The Growler Guys
There’s no wrong way to pair stout and chocolate for Valentine’s Day – or any day. Just grab a variety of chocolates, then stop by your local Growler Guys to explore our rotating selection of stouts. From local favorites to limited releases, our certified Beer Stewards can help you make the perfect match. Then get ready to compare favorites, share notes, and cheers to an unforgettable Valentine’s Day.
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