As the mercury drops and the days become shorter, I yearn for a tipple that warms the cockles of my heart.
No longer the season for light salads, alfresco meals or iced teas, no sir. ’tis the season for meat-laden stews by the fire, layered clothing, pale skin and beers as dark as the afternoon sky. Beers that should be served with a spoon and a warning. Beers that upon drinking force you to sit back, take notice and ponder.
An all too regular Untappd user, I have noticed that my choice of brew has taken a decidedly dark twist of late. Belgian Porter, Chocolate Porter, Stout, Imperial Stout and Belgian Dark Ale, if it’s dark and interesting, I’m all over it like a fat kid on a Smartie.
So given my recent interest in all beers dark and stormy, here are five dark beers worth a look this winter:
Tokyo* (Intergalactic fantastic oak aged stout) by BrewDog
With an ABV of 18.2%, this brew is not for the faint of heart. Still a damn fine beer, filled with intrigue and complexity.
Temptress by Holgate Brewhouse
Very chocolaty, this Chocolate Porter is well balanced and very approachable. With an ABV of 6.0%, you can have a couple without turning into Prince William at a fancy dress party.
Hargreaves Hill Stout by Hargreaves Hill Brewing Co.
A Lovely stout dominated by the usual coffee and chocolate suspects. Warmth is provided by an ABV of 6.7% and the beer finishes with a very slight bitterness.
Sierra Nevada Stout by Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Not yet tasted, this brew has been on my list for some time. A huge fan of their Pale Ale, their website rates the stout as: “Creamy, malty, and full-bodied, the Sierra Nevada Stout is satisfyingly rich. Caramel and Black malts give the Stout its deep, dark color and pronounced roasted flavor”. Has an ABV of 5.8%
Hitachino Nest Espresso Stout by Hitachino Nest If you have tasted any Hitachino Nest beers before, you will know what I mean when I say these guys are nuts. If you see this, or any of the Hitachino Nest beers on offer, order it. They certainly are interesting (their website is hilarious as well).
FoodstuffMelb 
Just went to a beer tasting session last night with some wonderful winter warmers (Scottish beers, particularly the wee heavy style) but damn, your post has me craving all the examples you’ve listed. I absolutely adore Tokyo and the Temptress.
Incidentally, I also learnt that Abbotsford Invalid Stout is excellent straight off the shelf, as in no cooling necessary. A smashing pov c*nt beer.
Posted by gemeds | June 22, 2011, 2:08 pmAnother hilarious comment from the EDS vault, courtesy of Gem!
Posted by Grant | June 22, 2011, 4:09 pm