Mighty Squirrel Mocha Stout

Mocha Stout from Mighty Squirrel, brewed in Massachusetts, is a 6.5% ABV stout with a listed bitterness of 40 IBU. That puts it in the moderate zone: enough hop bite to keep the roasted malt from turning syrupy, but nowhere near the sharpness of an IPA. The name signals coffee and chocolate character, and stouts built this way usually draw it from dark roasted malts, so expect espresso-like roast and cocoa notes rather than anything fruity or hoppy up front. Beers in this style typically pour near-black with a tan to light-brown head, and the aroma tends to lead with fresh coffee grounds and dark chocolate. On the palate, look for a medium to full body, a gentle sweetness from the malt, and a dry, slightly bitter roasted finish. A 6.5% strength is sturdy without being heavy, so it should drink more easily than an imperial stout while still carrying real weight. Serve it cooler than room temperature but not ice cold, ideally around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). Straight from a cold fridge the roast and chocolate tones mute; let the bottle or can sit out for ten to fifteen minutes. A tulip or nonic pint glass works well, as it holds the head and concentrates the roasted aromatics. A snifter is also a good choice if you want to sip slowly. At the table, the coffee and cocoa profile suits grilled and smoked meats such as brisket, sausages, or burgers, where the roast echoes the char. It also pairs well with aged cheddar or gouda, and with desserts built around chocolate, tiramisu, or vanilla ice cream, which you can even pour the beer over as a float.