Dark Beer

Dark beer is a malt-forward alcoholic beverage with a deep brown to nearly black color and a tan foam. Expect roasty coffee-like aromas, notes of chocolate and caramel, and a smooth to creamy mouthfeel depending on style. In the kitchen it adds depth to braises, stews, batters, and bread, and reduces to a bittersweet sauce base; sold in bottles, cans, and kegs.

Dark beer developed from heavily kilned and roasted malt traditions in Europe, with porter and stout in Britain and dunkel and schwarzbier in Germany. It spread globally with modern brewing, and many regional cuisines use it for hearty dishes and baking.