Written by I recently picked up a bottle of the Harpoon Chocolate Stout as something of an impulse purchase. See, I was taking a ride and happened to be in the neighborhood of one of my favorite beer stores, Cable Beverages in Bardonia, NY.
Of course, I didn’t intend to pick up any beer that day (so I said to my wife), I just wanted to look. 
Fast-forward about 30 minutes, and what do I see from the checkout line, arms full of beers, but a bunch of Christmas and Winter Beers that I never tried before. Strangely enough, this Harpoon Chocolate Stout caught my eye among the strange and oddly-sized bottles of European Christmas beers. I like Chocolate Stouts, but I haven’t been too impressed with the Harpoon Brewing offerings I’ve had so far. (OK, so I’ve only had their Oktoberfest and UFO which doesn’t make me a Harpoon Brewery expert, but neither one really thrilled me.)
So, I asked if I could take a single from the six-pack so I wouldn’t be stuck with six bottles if I didn’t like it, and to my surprise the manager said ‘sure’! So, for under two bucks I was able to try one of my favorite styles of beer from a less-than-favorite brewery! Can’t lose, right?
Turns out, I probably should have grabbed that last six-pack! Its a good beer!
Here’s what I liked about the 5.9%ABV limited-release beer out of Windsor, Vermont.
The head was nice and thick, had nice retention and a great milk-chocolate color. Off to a good start! The aroma was great too! I could immediately smell the bitter chocolate malts, and according to the label, added chocolate flavor.
The taste was good too. Its obviously going to be a chocolate-dominated beer, and it was. Chocolate and chocolate malt flavors that alternated between sweet at first, and then grew more bitter as the beer lingered. Nicely balanced, I thought – in regard to the chocolate flavors anyway!
Not much in the way of hops here, and perhaps that’s the main drawback in a beer like this one. Its all chocolate. Very one-dimensional, but if you read the label before buying it, you shouldn’t be too surprised! Chocolate Stout.
The body was slightly underwhelming, I found it a little thinner than I would have liked, but it was OK. I also think this would be a good beer to
have with dessert. Too chocolaty to have with dinner or anything like that. Harpoon’s Website suggests sweet desserts and fresh strawberries as food pairing ideas, and I would agree completely. Chocolate-covered strawberries would be even better I think!
Overall, I dug the Harpoon Chocolate Stout quite a bit. Its only around from November to January in the Harpoon ‘Winter Mix’ variety pack, or in six-packs like I found it in. I’m wishing I picked up the whole six-pack now, but I’ll be sure to look for it next year, as should you if you like chocolate stouts.
If I had a 3.73 star rating, I’d award that, but since I don’t (we always round down here) I’ll have to give this chocolate stout a 3.5. Very good, but not quite my favorite chocolate beer which is still the Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence. Hmmm. That one should be hitting shelves soon too!
Rating: 
Scott-TheBrewClub
I got this in the Winter Mix variety pack you mentioned and thought it quite the treat! I wish Sam Adams would put their Chocolate Bock out in six-packs like Harpoon does with this Chocolate Stout. Neither beer is to be missed if you like this style.
Thanks for making me want some chocolate beers now. Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence is one of my favorites, I need to look for this beer to compare.
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@Matt – I agree and I’d be a happy camper if Sam Adams put the Chocolate Bock out in six packs. Smart move by Harpoon I think, and I’ll be sure to get more next year.
@Nate – I’m seeing the Chocolate Indulgence on the shelves now – time to stock up! So far, its my favorite as well, but this brew from Harpoon was nicely done.
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