Dark Beer Buying: Best Places To Purchase

Dark beers, from stouts to schwarzbiers, get their colour and flavour from roasted malts. The darker the malt, the richer the brew. Dark beers are available in a variety of styles, from light and malty to rich and creamy. They can be purchased from online stores such as Total Wine, Happysliquor, and Target, as well as from local breweries such as Dark Horse Brewing Company.

Where to buy dark beer

Dark beer at liquor stores

Dark beers are less popular than lighter beers, but there are still plenty of options to choose from. Dark beers include stouts, porters, and schwarzbiers, and their colour and flavour mostly come from roasted malts. The darker the malt, the richer the brew. Dark beers can also be made by lengthening the brewing process or by ageing the final brew in barrels.

If you're looking to buy dark beer at a liquor store, you could try a specialty beer store. These stores will have a beer expert who can help you navigate the hundreds of options available. You can also try big-box stores like Target, which has a selection of dark beers available for purchase in-store or online.

Some popular dark beers include the Deschutes Black Butte Porter, which is a rich porter with notes of chocolate and toffee, and the Zero Gravity Extra Stout, which is an Irish-style stout. If you're looking for something non-alcoholic, Bravus Brewing's Oatmeal Stout has prominent chocolate, caramel, and roasted coffee notes. For something lighter, try a dunkel, which has a rich mahogany colour and a tame flavour. Ayinger's Altbairisch is considered one of the original dunkels.

If you're looking for something more exotic, try a Baltic Porter like the Baltika Porter from Russia, which is brewed according to ancient English recipes. Or, for something really strong, try a Belgian Quadrupel like the Rochefort brewery's top product, which has an ABV of 11.3% and notes of plum, raisin, and black currant.

Dark beer at breweries

If you're looking for dark beer at breweries, you're in luck! There are several breweries that specialize in dark and experimental beer styles. For example, Darkness Brewing in Bellevue, KY, is a neighborhood brewery and taproom that serves up a variety of dark beer styles, including their popular Man on the Moo.

Beavertown Brewery is another great option, with a range of dark beers on offer, from classic British dark ales to black IPAs. Their Spresso Coffee Stout is a must-try, and they also have a smoked porter with chocolatey notes called Smog Rocket.

For those who want to try something a little more adventurous, Alaskan Brewing offers a dark and smoky beer that's perfect for dessert on a cold winter night. Or, if you're feeling bold, you could try Bell's Brewing Expedition Stout, a Russian Imperial Stout with bold notes of chocolate and dark fruit.

If you're a fan of German-style beers, the Sprecher Black Bavarian is an American take on the classic. This dark beer uses dark malts to lend coffee and chocolate notes, as well as a full-bodied mouthfeel. And for something truly unique, the Rogue Morimoto Black Obi Soba offers a pale ale that's black instead of pale, with pine and resin notes from the hops.

So, whether you're looking for a classic stout, a fruity dark ale, or something more experimental, these breweries have you covered when it comes to dark beer.

Dark beer at Target

Target has a wide selection of non-alcoholic craft beers and big-brewery options. The Athletic Brewing non-alcoholic craft beers are available at Target, with a few styles to choose from. Their top sellers are the Run Wild IPA and the Upside Dawn Golden, but they also have a cerveza-style brew and the Free Wave Hazy IPA. Blue Moon also has a non-alcoholic option available at Target, which is an orangey wheat beer. Kin Euphorics, a celeb-owned brand with Bella Hadid at the helm, offers the Kin Bloom and Actual Sunshine products in four-packs at Target.

Target also has an in-store selection of dark craft beers, which can be picked up within 2 hours or delivered via contactless delivery.

Dark beer at Happysliquor

If you're craving a dark beer, Happysliquor has got you covered. While dark beer is often associated with stouts, the category is diverse, and at Happysliquor, you'll find a variety of options to satisfy your dark beer cravings.

For those who enjoy a classic, Happysliquor offers Guinness Draught Stout, known for its smooth and creamy texture. Or, if you're feeling adventurous, why not try the North Coast Red Seal Ale? This unique ale comes in a 12oz 6-pack bottle and is perfect for those who want to explore beyond the traditional stout.

Happysliquor also carries the Fremont Dark Star Imperial Oatmeal Stout, a rich and indulgent option, as well as the Modern Times Black House Coffee Stout. For those who appreciate a good Russian Imperial Stout, the North Coast Old Rasputin is a must-try, with its bold flavours and prominent ABV.

In the mood for something different? Happysliquor has you covered with the Maine Beer King Titus Porter, a unique take on the traditional porter style. So, whether you're a stout traditionalist or an explorer of new dark beer horizons, Happysliquor has a variety of options to tantalize your taste buds. Remember to drink responsibly and enjoy the complex flavours and aromas that dark beers have to offer!

Dark beer online

There are many online vendors that sell dark beer, and the specific products available will depend on the region to which you want the beer shipped.

CraftShack

CraftShack offers a selection of dark ales for purchase online and appears to ship within the United States.

Drizly

Drizly offers a wide selection of beer, wine, and liquor for delivery from local stores in under 60 minutes. They have a dedicated section for dark lager, including American dark lagers, which are somewhat lighter with a slightly sweet caramel taste, and traditional dunkel beer from Bavaria, which has a nutty flavor and is crisp without being bitter.

Total Wine & More

Total Wine & More has a list of popular dark beers from around the world, including Belgium, Germany, Russia, Japan, Canada, Wisconsin, Indiana, Colorado, and the United States more broadly. Their selection includes stouts, ales, and lagers.

Order.Beer

Order.Beer offers a selection of 12 dark beers, including stouts and porters, for delivery in the United Kingdom.

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