Hey coffee lovers! If your day starts with a perfect pour-over or a creamy latte, you might be surprised to find that your favorite flavors aren't limited to the coffee shop. Craft beers are full of brews that mimic, complement, and downright celebrate the rich, roasted goodness you crave.
Think of it this way: coffee beans and barley malt are both roasted, creating deep, complex, and sometimes chocolatey or nutty notes. If you're new to craft beer, let's look at some styles that will feel right at home on your palate.
If You Love Espresso, Try... Stouts and Porters
The darkest beers are your best friends. Stouts and Porters are made with heavily roasted barley, giving them those tell-tale flavors of dark chocolate, caramel, and—you guessed it—strong, black coffee.
Why you'll love it: They offer a bold, rich punch similar to a shot of espresso. Many breweries even brew these styles with actual coffee beans (called Coffee Stouts), making the connection even clearer. Look for ones labeled Imperial Stout for an extra-intense, concentrated flavor.
If You Love a Creamy Latte, Try... Milk Stout
Do you enjoy the smooth, slightly sweet balance of milk in your coffee? Then you absolutely need to try a Milk Stout (sometimes called a Sweet Stout).
Why you'll love it: These beers have an ingredient called lactose (milk sugar) that doesn't fully ferment, leaving a subtle sweetness and giving the beer a wonderfully smooth, full, and almost creamy texture. It's the perfect beer equivalent of a sweet, milky coffee drink.
If You Love a Bold Americano, Try... Robust Porter
The Robust Porter is a style that splits the difference—it's got the darkness and roast of a stout but is often a little less heavy on the body.
Why you'll love it: It delivers a clean, sharp, and intense roasted flavor without the syrupy thickness of a big Imperial Stout or the sweetness of a Milk Stout. It’s like a strong, black coffee that gets straight to the point.
If You Love a Flavorful Cold Brew, Try... Brown Ale
While not as dark as a Stout, a good Brown Ale is a mellow, malt-focused beer that still has plenty of coffee-like complexity.
Why you'll love it: These are smoother, often featuring flavors of toffee, hazelnut, and just a hint of cocoa or mild roast. It’s less like a punch-in-the-face espresso and more like a gentle, smooth, and nuanced cold brew—perfect for a leisurely afternoon.
The next time you're at the bar or bottle shop, ignore the confusing names and look for the words Stout, Porter, or Brown Ale. Trust your coffee-trained palate—you might just find your new favorite brew!
Which coffee-inspired beer are you going to try first?