Once upon a time, you could fit what I knew about dark beers onto the back of a postage stamp.

Through rigorous study and some not insignificant taste testing, I’ve been able to improve my knowledge base to at least hold a reasonable conversation with professional dark beer devotees.

While there is a huge (and often confusing) range in dark beer variety – from porter and stout to dark lager, sour beer, and even India Pale Ale versions – I’ve fallen back on what works best for me as a beer drinker.

Flavor and enjoyment.

The following collection of dark beers to enjoy this winter covers different types of darker beer that will help introduce flavor and enjoyment to your beer fridge, particularly if you are new (or nearly new) to enjoying this fascinating genre.

While hardly an exhaustive study, the list features some great American craft beer alongside some recognizable favorites from across the globe.

As always, drink responsibly!

Best Buy

1.  Sierra Nevada Narwhal Barrel-Aged Imperial Stout

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I’m a firm believer in Sierra Nevada beers being some of the best beer the USA has to offer, and if you are looking for a top-quality dark beer they have you covered.

Brewed at 11.9% ABV (almost double the strength of a standard stout) and aged in American bourbon barrels, it’s got an impressively powerful mouthfeel combining creamy malt with the woodiness of oak and vanilla.

You’ll taste hints of chocolate and espresso on the palate, however, the challenger hops give it just enough pop and bitterness to cut the sweet flavor of malts such as two-row pale, caramel, chocolate, honey, Carafa III, and roasted barley.

One for the traditional style beer lovers, this Russian Imperial stout is a big-bodied delight.

2. Westmalle Dubbel

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Westmalle Dubbel is a classically dark, reddish-brown Trappist beer that’s had a secondary fermentation in the bottle (hence the name Dubbel).