Chocolate Porter: what makes it special
Chocolate porter is a dark, malt-forward beer that highlights roasted and chocolate notes. Many versions are brewed with real cacao (fave di cacao) or cocoa nibs to give a pronounced chocolate aroma and taste — often accompanied by coffee, roasted malt and a bittersweet cocoa finish. If you enjoy a balanced dark beer with clear chocolate character, this style is for you.
Common questions about chocolate porter
- What is a nitro milkshake?
- How does a nitro chocolate milkshake beer differ from a regular porter?
- How can I find coffee-forward beers or chocolate porters near me?
- How do I brew a chocolate porter (basic recipe outline)?
- How do I find or rate a beer like "Shake Chocolate Porter" on Untappd?
What is a nitro milkshake?
"Nitro milkshake" refers to a beer served or conditioned with nitrogen (or nitrogen/CO2 mix) that also leans on adjuncts that give it a creamy, dessert-like character — often lactose (milk sugar), vanilla, and fruit or chocolate additions. Nitrogen creates a dense, cascading pour and a silky, cream-smooth mouthfeel that makes chocolate and sweet adjuncts feel richer without being cloying.
Nitro chocolate milkshake vs. regular chocolate porter
Key differences:
- Mouthfeel: Nitro beers feel creamier and smoother; CO2-conditioned porters are crisper and more carbonated.
- Sweetness: Milkshake-style beers often include lactose or vanilla for dessert-like sweetness; traditional chocolate porters rely on roasted malts and cocoa nibs for bitterness and chocolate flavor.
- Presentation: Nitro pours form a thick, long-lasting head and a velvety texture on the palate.
How to find coffee-style beers or chocolate porters near you
Use these practical tips to locate local pours:
- Search apps: Untappd and RateBeer show nearby venues and check-ins for specific beers.
- Google Maps: search terms like "chocolate porter near me", "coffee beer near me" or "craft beer taproom" and filter by reviews.
- Brewery websites & social media: small-batch releases (nitro or limited) are often posted on a brewer's Instagram or Facebook page.
- Specialty bottle shops: call ahead and ask for chocolate-forward stouts/porters or nitro-conditioned beers.
Basic chocolate porter recipe outline
Below is a concise, approachable outline for a chocolate porter — suitable for homebrewers who want to capture classic chocolate and roast notes without overly complex procedures.
- Base malts: Pale/Maris Otter (80–85%) for body and malt backbone.
- Specialty malts: Chocolate malt (4–8%), Crystal (5–7%), and a touch of roasted barley or black malt for roast (1–3%).
- Adjuncts for chocolate: Toasted cocoa nibs (use Arriba Nacional or similar for aromatic quality) added in secondary or late in fermentation for pronounced but clean chocolate aroma.
- Optional: small lactose addition (5–8% of fermentables) or a touch of vanilla for a milkshake-like sweetness.
- Hops: low bitterness, clean bittering hop (keep IBU moderate, 20–30) so chocolate and malt shine.
- Yeast: English ale or American ale strain fermented at typical ale temperatures (18–20°C / 64–68°F) for a balanced finish.
- Conditioning: consider nitro-conditioning or serving on a nitro tap to enhance creaminess; otherwise carbonate gently for a smooth mouthfeel.
Tip: add cocoa nibs after primary fermentation (secondary) or during conditioning to preserve volatile chocolate aromatics and avoid harsh bitterness from prolonged heat exposure.
Using Untappd: find, check in, and rate beers like "Shake Chocolate Porter"
Untappd is a go-to for discovery. Steps:
- Search: type the beer name (e.g., "Shake Chocolate Porter") into Untappd's search bar to see brewery info and check-ins.
- Check-ins & reviews: read recent check-ins to learn about batch variations and serving method (nitro vs. draft vs. bottle).
- Rate & tag: when you try it, log a check-in, add tasting notes (chocolate, coffee, roast, sweetness), and tag serving style (nitro, bottle).
Food pairings and serving suggestions
Chocolate porter pairs beautifully with desserts and savory foods that complement cocoa and roast:
- Chocolate desserts, tiramisu, or espresso-based sweets.
- Aged cheddar or blue cheese for contrast.
- Grilled meats with a caramelized crust (barbecue, pork belly).
- Serve slightly cool (10–12°C / 50–54°F) — not fridge cold — to let the chocolate and coffee notes bloom.
Why try this style — and a recommendation
If you appreciate real cacao-forward beers that balance roast, coffee and bitter-sweet chocolate, a well-made chocolate porter showcases those flavors in a drinkable, food-friendly format. For a crafted experience made with toasted and ground Arriba Nacional cacao nibs that highlights coffee and bitter chocolate notes, consider trying
— it emphasizes authentic cacao character while remaining balanced and accessible.
Enjoy exploring nitro pours, homebrewing variations, and local taprooms — chocolate porter can be simple and sublime, or decadently complex depending on the brewer's approach.
