Dark Beer Types for Your Business to Consider

Considering adding dark beer to your bar or restaurant’s product line? At Glacier Design Systems, we have seen plenty of businesses find success with these rich beverages! Dark beer types have a dark color, ranging from amber to black. It is made from roasted malt or barley, which gives it a rich and complex flavor. Dark beer is often associated with colder weather and is perfect for drinking in the fall or winter. There are several different types of dark beer, each with its own unique flavor profile.

Stout Dark Beer Types

Stout is a type of dark beer that is typically black in color and has a creamy, smooth texture. It is made from roasted barley, which gives it a distinct roasted flavor. Stout also has a slight bitterness, which balances out its sweetness. Some stouts are brewed with additional ingredients such as coffee, chocolate, or oatmeal, which add to their complexity.

Porter Dark Beer

Porter is another type of dark beer that is similar to stout but has a lighter body and a more pronounced malt flavor. It is made from brown malt and has a slightly sweet taste with notes of chocolate and caramel. A porter also has a lower alcohol content than a stout.

Brown Ale Dark Beer Types

Brown ale is a type of beer that has a brown color and a slightly sweet taste. It is made from roasted barley and has a nutty flavor with hints of caramel and toffee. Brown ale has a low hop content, making it less bitter than other types of dark beer.

Dunkel Dark Beer

Dunkelweizen (Dunkel) is a German dark beer that has a dark brown color and a malty flavor. It is made from roasted barley and has a slight sweetness with notes of chocolate and bread. Dunkel also has a low hop content, making it less bitter than other types of dark beer.

Schwarzbier Dark Beer Types

Schwarzbier is a type of German dark beer that is black in color and has a roasted malt flavor. It is made from dark roasted barley and has a slight sweetness with notes of chocolate and coffee. Schwarzbier also has a low hop content, making it less bitter than other types of dark beer.

Belgian Dubbel Dark Beer

Belgian Dubbel is a type of dark beer that is typically brown in color and has a malty, sweet taste. It is made from the dark roasted malt and has a complex flavor profile with notes of chocolate, caramel, and dark fruit. Belgian Dubbel also has a slightly spicy finish, which adds to its complexity.

Let Glacier Design Systems Assist You in Serving Your Beers to Perfection

Dark beer is a versatile and complex type of beer that offers a wide range of flavors and styles. Customers might prefer a stout, porter, brown ale, dunkel, schwarzbier, or Belgian Dubbel. There is a dark beer out there to suit every taste, so be sure to offer a variety. 

As always, our Glacier Design Systems professionals would be happy to install a dark beer draft system or establish regular beer line cleanings to ensure a clean pour every time. So, the next time a customer says they are looking for a rich and flavorful beer, tell them to give a dark beer a try!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is dark beer? Dark beer refers to any beer that has a deep, dark color and is brewed with roasted malt or barley. These dark grains impart flavors of chocolate, coffee, and toffee and give the beer its characteristic dark color.

Are dark beers stronger than light beers? Not necessarily. The color of a beer does not determine its strength. Some dark beers, like porter and stout, can have a higher alcohol content, but this is not always the case.

What food pairs well with dark beer? Dark beers pair well with rich, hearty foods like steak, barbecue, and chocolate desserts. They also pair well with strong cheeses like blue cheese and aged cheddar.

What are the different types of dark beer? There are several types of dark beer, including stout, porter, brown ale, dunkelweizen, schwarzbier, and Belgian Dubbel.

What is a stout? Stout is a dark beer that is typically brewed with roasted barley, giving it a rich, creamy texture and a bold, roasted flavor.

What is a porter? Porter is a dark beer that is brewed with a combination of roasted malts and other grains, giving it a complex flavor profile that can include notes of chocolate, coffee, and caramel.

What is a brown ale? Brown ale is a malty, sweet, and nutty beer that has a medium to dark brown color. It is typically brewed with a combination of pale and dark malts, which give it its characteristic flavor and color.

What is a dunkelweizen? Dunkelweizen is a dark wheat beer that is brewed with a combination of wheat and dark malt. It has a rich, full-bodied flavor and a slightly sweet taste.

What is a schwarzbier? Schwarzbier is a German black lager that has a dark color and a smooth, clean taste. It is typically brewed with dark malts and has a slightly roasted flavor.

What is a Belgian Dubbel? Belgian Dubbel is a dark beer that is brewed with a combination of dark malts and Belgian yeast. It has a complex, fruity flavor and deep, reddish-brown color.