Nigra, Selassié and Chocolate Porter: the dark side of craft beer
Coffee, chocolate, licorice, tobacco — dark beers are a universe of complexity and depth. On Maltese you’ll find a curated selection of craft Imperial Stout, Oatmeal Stout, and Porter: from the Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout (the global benchmark for the style) to the Birra Perugia Chocolate Porter (roasted and ground Ariba National cocoa beans), up to the Shire Brewing Selassié Coffee Porter (in collaboration with Fazenda coffee from Fiuggi). Available online with shipping throughout Italy.
🛒 Discover all dark beers on Maltese
What is an Imperial Stout?
Imperial Stout (or Russian Imperial Stout) is the most intense and alcoholic version of the stout family: full-bodied, high ABV (often 8–12%), intense notes of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, licorice, and sometimes dried fruit or vanilla. Perfect for winter evenings and pairing with rich desserts.
Stout vs Porter: the differences
- Porter: the historical predecessor, linked to London tradition — light to medium body, more delicate chocolate and coffee notes
- Stout: born as a stronger version of porter — more roasted malts, more pronounced coffee and chocolate notes
- Imperial Stout: the extreme version — high ABV, full body, maximum complexity
- Oatmeal Stout: with added oats for silky smoothness and creamy body
Food pairings
- Dark chocolate and cocoa desserts
- Aged blue cheeses (gorgonzola, roquefort)
- Braised meats and winter stews
- Oysters (classic pairing with Irish stout)
- Tiramisu and coffee-flavored desserts
- Artisanal snacks for a bold winter aperitif
How to serve a dark beer
- Temperature: 10–14 °C — warmer than lagers to enhance aromatic complexity
- Glassware: tulip or snifter to concentrate aromas — discover tasting glasses on Maltese
