Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter

 Schell’s Peanut Butter Chocolate Porter.

6% ABV, 25 IBU, August Schell Brewing, New Ulm, MN.

Dark brown color, fully opaque, rich, full, creamy head. Looking good. 

In the nose: big aromatics, bold p.b. & chocolate. Sweet, but balanced. 

In the mouth: full bodied, rich, and well-rounded. Smooth (not chunky), slightly toasty and altogether malty. The p.b. / cocoa combo is kept in check, displaying sweetness, but never too much. Ends on a delicious dry note.

Well done! Good work, Schell’s!

This porter is a full-bodied drinking experience with strong notes of peanut butter and chocolate—a delicious dessert beer. The porter’s base malt is Golden Promise, and the other seven malts make up  chocolatey-caramel joy. The peanut butter flavor comes from an extract that was slowly dosed into the fermenter as a secondary addition. Cacao nibs were added to the fermenter as a secondary addition to further enhance the chocolate notes. This porter is all about balance and finding ways to experiment with the boundaries of what beer is and how good drinking beer can be. 

Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout

 Ommegang All Hallows Treat Imperial .Chocolate Peanut Butter Stout. 

7.6% ABV, 18 IBU, Brewery Ommegang, Cooperstown, NY. 

Dark brown, opaque, slim brown head.

In the nose: sweet, malty, roasty. PB & cocoa are here. 

In the mouth: full body, rich, sweet, and balanced. Is 7.6 % really “Imperial”? Close enough, I guess. Increasingly delicious. It may be possible that for am drinking this a touch too cold, so I’ll sip slowly and let it warm up on me. As it does, I’ll take time to reflect on its continually growing delights. 

Sweet and spooky like the perfect Halloween night, All Hallows Treat rekindles your favorite childhood holiday memories. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate, creamy peanut butter and a soft vanilla finish swirl with a smooth body and medium mouthfeel. It’s the perfect throwback that brings you to your first bite of a chocolate peanut butter cup

Able Pbp Peanut Butter Porter

Able Pbp Peanut Butter Porter.

6.8 % ABV. Able Brewery + Seedhouse, Minneapolis, MN. 

"Choosy mothers choose Pibup."

Just about black, fully opaque, slim brown head. 

In the nose: peanut butter pops up right away, followed by cocoa, nice and sweet, but well-balanced. 

In the mouth: Some roasted malt character, some cocoa, with peanut butter over it all. To be honest, though, I could have used a little more of it. Feels like it's possible to go a little harder. I can't taste the graham cracker, not sure if you're supposed to, or if you really can. Medium bodied, smooth, easy-drinking. Tasty, yes, but I wish it went a bit longer & stronger with the flavor. 

A robust porter with roasty toasty chocolate notes on a bed of peanut butter and graham cracker

Montgomery Yippee Ki Yay Imperial Peanut Butter Porter

Montgomery Yippee Ki Yay Imperial Peanut Butter Porter.

7.6 % ABV. 59 IBU. Montgomery Brewing, Montgomery, MN. 

So, it seems that MBC used to have an imperial peanut butter porter called Yippee Skippy, which I never tried.  And it also seems that the fine folks at Hormel, current owner of the Skippy peanut butter brand, took exception to the use of their trademark and sent a cease and desist. MBC changed to name to the iconic phrase from "Die Hard" and the new label for the new name for the old beer has scenes from the film acted out by peanuts. Because. 

And this is the second beer I got from my co-worker while she was winding down her peanut butter porter/stout phase. Told me she wasn't interested in finishing off her fourth can. I gave her a Beaver Island Sweet Miss Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Milk Stout in exchange. She liked it okay. Will I like this one? Let's find out...

I'll note before beginning that the old Yippee Skippy was 8.6 % abv, and this new one a less imperial 7.6.

Dark brown, nearly black, ultimately opaque, large brownish head that slims down soon.

In the nose: Peanut butter and chocolate come spilling out. Not too much else.

In the mouth: Slightly sweet, minor hops, well balanced, smooth and easy going. Medium bodied, bordering on full. Cocoa more than peanut butter in the flavor. Mostly malty. 

This is tasty stuff, but not especially remarkable. 

I'm kind of on the fence on this one, so I'll poll the users of untapped: 

Laurel F. says: "Wow!! This has the best peanut butter taste hands down! Smooth creamy delicious.... Yum!!"

Two exclamation points, huh...could have used an extra "a dum dum", though, to round it out. 

Says Rick F.: "Yippee-ki-yay mother effers! This is an absolutely fantastic peanut butter Porter! Very smooth on the palate, and a nice heavy peanut aftertaste. Low bitterness, and a nice sweet Loopty loo around the tongue."

Okay, Rick, I note your enthusiasm.

And now, for the first time, I see that Untappd has it as "Yippie Ki Yay." Why they or Bruce Willis left out the "Yi Yo" part from the song Bing Crosby sang in 1936's "Rhythm on the Range" no one seems to know. 

One thing I definitely notice, though, is that everyone is tasting more peanut butter than I am. Am I missing the peanut butter gene? 

Big Axe Stoutrageous Peanut Butter Stout

Big Axe Stoutrageous Peanut Butter Stout.

6.8% ABV. 44 IBU. Big Axe Brewing, Nisswa, MN. 

Strictly ebony hued, completely opaque, thin ring of a roasted brown head.

In the nose: There's the sweet, peanutty-ness right out of the gate. Chocolate lingers just below. 

In the mouth: Chocolate and peanut butter are at it again, moderate bitterness is here for balance, too. Not too sweet, not too strong, not too anything. Medium bodied, long lasting flavors, subtle finish. 

If you're looking for the most peanut butter, or the thickest stout, this will not qualify. But as it is, it's pretty damned tasty. There's something to be said for restraint. 

Venn Peanut Butter Oatmeal Stout

Venn Peanut Butter Oatmeal Stout.

6.6 % ABV, 25 IBU. Venn Brewing, Minneapolis, MN. 

"This time, for sure." (A reference to a story I won't tell.)

Solid blackness, utterly opaque, rich, brown head that crumbles quickly. 

In the nose: Peanutt-y and chocolatey, bing, bang, boom. Malt-driven, sweet, luxurious. So far, so good. 

In the mouth: Sweet and nutty, with loads of cocoa flavor. Lasting long on the palate. Medium bodied, smooth and easy-drinking. Quite enjoyable. 

Oatmeal Stout made with peanut butter. CONTAINS NUTS. NOT VEGAN.

Malts: Malted Oats, Domestic Pale, Munich 30L, Special B, Roasted Barley, Chocolate

Hops: Warrior

Yeast: American Ale

And: Lactose, Peanut Flour

Beaver Island Peanut Butter Sweet Miss Oatmeal Stout

Beaver Island Peanut Butter Sweet Miss Oatmeal Stout.

6.5 % ABV, 28 IBU. Beaver Island Brewing, St, Cloud, MN. 

Strictly black, thoroughly opaque, large, roasted brown head on top. 

In the nose: cocoa hits the nose first, followed by creamy peanut butter notes. Mmm. 

In the mouth: Sweetness, nuttiness, creaminess are all on the attack. They dominate the palate, and subdue the senses. Medium bodied, smooth, and altogether yum a dum dum. Moderate bitterness, just enough for balance, with lingering sweet, maltiness. Absolutely delightful. 

A thick, rich and dangerously delicious blend of roasted malts, flaked oats and fair trade cocoa nibs from Ecuador. Soaked with Peanut Butter!

Modist Bite Size Peanut Butter Cup & Coffee Stout

Modist Bite Size Peanut Butter Cup & Coffee Stout.

7.2 %  ABV, Modist Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

A few years back, Modist released the first beer in this series, a "pastry stout" with chocolate and vanilla. I reviewed it favorably here and tapped a keg at Acadia. They've continued the series with variations on the theme. The last one before this was with coconut and almond, and I got to try some, enjoying that sample as well, but never picking up cans to take home and review. Snoozed and losed. So, I made up for that miss by getting a four-pack of this one, just under the assumption that I would like it. Let's see. 

Dark brown color, mostly opaque, and a head that starts strong and soon dissipates, leaves behind a dirty ring. Tiny dots of ...something...float on the circus. It resembles a muddy glass of Swiss Miss Cocoa Mix, but dirtier, uglier. Very disappointing. 

In the nose: Coffee hits first, following by peanut butter and chocolate. Dark, chocolate malts hold down the fort. 

In the mouth: Peanut butter cup flavors are foremost now, coffee takes a back seat. I don't think they make for a harmonious blend of flavors, and I wonder who thought they would be a good combination. It's not the sort of idea that would logically enter into the average brain. I personally don't think they belong together. But, it's not bad. It's not great, either. 

As we continue to drink it down, the various oddments cling to the side of the glass, leaving a dirty, ugly, grimy trail. It's not a bad beer, it has it's moments, and is tasty to a point, but is hardly delicious, and not even slightly yum a dum dum. 

Yuck!

The largest sin is the look of the thing. How did they screw it up? How can Modist explain this blunder, or excuse it? It's not quite forgivable. 

Chocolate Stout brewed with Golden Promise, malted wheat, and roasted chocolate malts. Conditioned on Reese’s™ Peanut Butter Cups, Brazilian coffee and Ghana cocoa nibs.

Drekker Smooth or Die Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Drekker Smooth or Die Peanut Butter Milk Stout.

6.5 % ABV. Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND.

Let it go on the record that I like a good peanut butter milk stout. I don't get obsessed about them or anything, but I'll try one out from time to time. And now Drekker has one and it's not a Braaaaainss or a Slang or a smoothie sundae, a Chonk, or any of those things. No marshmallows, no fudge. Just a straight up pbms. Let's drink one. 

Solid blackness, complete opacity, vast brown head. Looking amazing. 

In the nose: Aromatics scream out peanuts and chocolate. Go in for a deeper sniff. Sweet, rich, dark, nutty, ...cocoa and peanut butter. Yes, go on...

In the mouth: smooth and creamy, sweet milk stout goodness, mixed with peanut butter and chocolate. Delightful and delicious. Full body. Moderate bitterness, major malt, extra yum a dum dum. Very well balanced. Never too anything and just enough of the right stuff. 

This is a damned tasty beer. I brought it home because we sold it as single cans, at only $3.49 each. I wouldn't have bought it as a $17 4-pack. Also, what's wrong with chunky? I say Chunky all the way! Smooth be damned! 

Malt: Pale 2 Row, Oats, Chocolate malt, black patent, carafoam, caramel malt, Munich

Hops: Magnum

Yeast: House all yeast.

Gimmicks: Peanut Butter, Cacao nibs, lactose. 

Time to draw a line in the sand. We need to put this out there and we hope this doesn’t mean we can’t be friends anymore, but it needs to be known. We only like creamy peanut butter. We think the only peanut butter on the planet should be creamy and that crunchy peanut butter is an abomination before the gods that should be stricken from the earth. There, we said it. We feel better, how about you?⠀

So to declare this love for the creamy overlord of peanuts in butter form we’re dropping a brand new Peanut Butter Milk Stout called Smooth Or Die. It’s packed with chocolatey, peanut buttery flavor and aroma and it’s rich and unapologetically smooth, so smooth, like the Gods intended.

At least they're upfront about the "gimmicks" business...

Drekker Chonk Peanut Butter & Jelly Sundae Sour

 Drekker Chonk Peanut Butter & Jelly Sundae Sour.

6 % ABV. Drekker Brewing, Fargo, ND.

Sundae sour. Peanut Butter & Jelly. Chonk. I will drink this. And here we go...

Hazed. Opaque. Chunkies. Floaties. Deep raspberry coloring. Slim pinkish head. 

In the nose: Berry. Rasp. And just below, deep down below, p.b. The nut butter of the pea. I'm five years old and my mommy made me a Sammy...and now it's a beer! Yay!

In the mouth: Big fruit. Overwhelming berries. Just jam-errific. Fat berries. Jam-tastic. Where did peanut butter go? Creamy. Not sour. Sundae? What the fuck is going on with this thing? I am amazed and saddened that this is what we are calling beer these days. And I paid $5.50 for this single can and I feel like a fool. 

It's juicy, and tasty...it's barely sour and I don't know what makes it "sundae"...this is fucking bullshit, and I'm getting sick of it. 

I keep trying these things because they are popular and everyone is abuzz about them and I have to try to keep my finger on the pulse of the beer world, but...this ...is ...not ...beer. This is just another example of the infantilization of beer. It's an unnatural de-evolution. What the fuck is going on? 

Why are things being called sours when they aren't?  There is no sour here. And no "sundae" either. It's a children's sandwich replicated as an adult beverage, and it makes me sad. 

Every time I ring people up with this type of beers, I want to talk to them and figure out why. Some tell me they are in the trading game, and shipping these beers out to their partners in other regions. What, doesn't every community have their version of Drekker? I thought that that's how it works now. God help us all (and I'm an atheist.)

This is too thick. Too sweet. Too fruity. Too rich. Certainly not refreshing in the least. Whatever. It's not for me. If you want to sit in the stands and observe the freak show that is now beer, by all means, enjoy. Or maybe you're marching in the parade?

It just makes me profoundly sad. 

I may make more reports in the future, stating the same. Eventually, there will be nothing to report on, but things of this nature. And this is so fucking ridiculous, I don't know what to say. 

Sorry, you guys can flip out over it all you want, but it just makes me feel sad. 

And now, for some alternate opinions, courtesy of Untappd: 

Silmar M. says: "OMG!!!!!!" not sure if I got the number of exclamation points right, they tend to blend together...

Rachel S. says: "Tastes like a PB&J, so good!"

Hadley L says: "Taking me back to grade school lunch." Of course.

Larry L. has an axe to grind: Global avg is too low. Peanut Butter is incredible in this beer. Thickness also incredible. Only thing holding back a perfect 5 is not enough jelly flavor. So much PB. (4.90)

Wow, Larry, I couldn't disagree more. This is more jelly than PB, but let us not forget that the very argument is utterly laughable. Larry, what is...just, what is wrong, my brother?

Brew C. says: I like this but I want more peanut butter! Just make a peanut butter chonk. It could be liquid peanut butter with a splash of fruit beer and I'd be all over it like a fat kid on a twinkie.

Emily F. basically squees out: "tastes just like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich!" 

No, it doesn't. Nothing in this flavor replicates the bread. A lot of jelly. And a lot of bullshit. 

Dan M. and I think alike: "this shouldn't be beer." No, Dan, it shouldn't and it isn't. 

Let's get over this trend, people, and let's evolve beyond this nonsense.

It's Peanut Butter Jelly Time!

BlackStack Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout

 BlackStack Black Is Beautiful Imperial Stout, or, --sigh--Double Pastry Stout---sigh...

10.9 % ABV. BlackStack Brewing, St. Paul, MN. 

Another local edition of the nationwide collaboration, this one pulls out all the stops. 

Solid blackness, rich brown ring of foam above. 

In the nose: A whirlwind of complexities abound in this nose, peanut butter and chocolate in charge, rum barrel effects coming up from behind. Earthy, malty, and yeah, I can pick up the banana, too. Interesting. 

In the mouth: Yum-a-dum-dum. Flat Out, from the start, YADD. And the alcohol springs apace in this one, too. Boom! Rich and thick malt, with all the accompanying adjuncts in full display. Big chocolate, some of that peanut butter, a little bit of cinnamon, and a taste of banana, too. Rich, thick, full and long lasting on the palate. Big and bountiful. 

In a nutshell, or as they say these days, TLDR, : YADD.

Partially aged in Rum Barrels & treated with Peanut Butter, Bananas, Tahitian Vanilla, Vietnamese Cinnamon & Cacao Nibs from Pinella Brother Chocolate. Collaboration with Weathered Souls Brewing to support justice and equality for people of color. 

Inbound Contains Bees Peanut Butter Honey Blonde Ale

Inbound Contains Bees Peanut Butter Honey Blonde Ale.
5.2 % ABV. 15 IBU.
Inbound BrewCo., Minneapolis, MN.

Here's one that I've had when it was on tap at Acadia last fall. Went through two kegs lickety split. Never took notes, because I don't do that at work. Much. Rarely. So, I was in the neighborhood, and there were crowlers. (And you can get it in cans at you local, too.)

Clear, bright golden hued, slim white head.

In the nose: Honey notes pop out first, followed by peanut butter, not a whole lot else.

In the mouth: Light, clean, and tasty little blonde ale. Honey comes through, for sure, with a splash of peanut butter. Nothing from hops, and just enough out of malt. Well-balanced and smooth. Tasty, too. Peanut butter flavor rises in prominence and blends well with honey.

Not bad, not bad at all.

A refreshing blonde ale with creamy peanut butter and sweet Minnesota honey. Tastes better than an open-faced peanut butter sandwich on Wonder Bread. Bright honey flavors provided by the real bees of Minnesota's own Fieldstone Apiaries.

Sisyphus BA Peanut Butter Jackpot

Sisyphus BA Peanut Butter Jackpot.
10 % ABV. 55 IBU.
Sisyphus Brewing, Minneapolis, MN.

Solid blackness, slim brownish ring of foam.

In the nose: peanut butter pops on top, sweetness abounds, massive malt lurks below.

In the mouth: On the palate, whiskey is tops. Coming on thick, rich, lush. Dark, deep, and delicious. Chocolate and coffee flavors rise up to topple the peanut butter. Good dose of sweetness, just a touch of bitter, lots of balance. Full body, long finish. It's a good mix here.

This one really hit the spot. I let the notes above stand as I luxuriated in this one, indulging in some late night TV, before shuffling off to slumber.
"Look out, Baby Yoda, look out!"
Oh, no...no spoilers.

Excelsior Rip Rap Peanut Butter Cup Stout

Excelsior Rip Rap Peanut Butter Cup Stout.
5.6 % ABV, 18 IBU. Excelsior Brewing, Excelsior, MN.

Thoroughly black, slim brown head on top. Looking good.

In the nose: Peanut butter is big here. Boom! It's a bomb. Quite nice. Rich malt below. Sweetness and lovely.

In the mouth: Mmm. Tasty stuff. Peanut butter flavor stays on top, stout body keeps it afloat. Medium bodied, easy drinking. Peanut butter isn't too anything in this, nicely balanced. Just enough flavor, never too much. Good drinkin' stout. And there ain't nothing wrong with that.

Riprap Peanut Butter Cup Stout is made with enough peanut butter cups to protect any shoreline. Each batch begins with our traditional stout recipe, then infused with milk chocolate peanut butter cups. The result is a familiar aroma and a touch of sweetness on the front end, finishing with the smoothness of a perfectly roasted stout

Lupulin CPB Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter

Lupulin CPB Chocolate Peanut Butter Porter.
5.25 % ABV. 20 IBU.
Lupulin Brewing, Big Lake, MN.

Murky brown, slim, tan head.

In the nose: Peanut butter pops right out. Malty flavors lurk below. Sweet, earthy, balanced. Not getting any chocolate yet.

In the mouth: Peanut Butter flavor remains on top. Smooth and creamy. Minor hops, just enough for balance. Chocolate creeps out from under. Tasty, tasty stuff. Medium bodied and a treat to drink down.

Layers of decadent chocolate and peanut butter built into a rich oatmeal porter make this beer impossible to have just one. We're not sorry.

Oliphant Funtalented Imperial Stout w/Raspberry and Peanut Butter

Oliphant Funtalented Imperial Stout w/Raspberry and Peanut Butter.
10 % ABV. Oliphant Brewing, Somerset, WI.

Solid blackness, under a nicely roasted/toasted tan head, leaving lace.

In the nose: Fruit is first, berry-licious, followed by the massive malt. Peanut butter creeps in and takes over. Very nice.

In the mouth: Bitterness hits the palate first, then tart fruity flavors, then dark, rich malt. Quite complex. Nicely roasted, with the peanut butter mixing with the jelly. Whoa. They did it. A PB & J Imperial Stout. Little bitter, little sweet, then more sweet, and well-balanced deliciousness.

funtalented

yet again, this one is not about ghosts. they say, jeremy, “enough with the ghosts”, and thens i say, “enough with you!”. then it is another time out for me, but little do they know, i just treat it as a nap.

russian imperial stout w/ raspberry and peanut butter. 10% abv

Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout.
5.3 % ABV. 30 IBU.
Belching Beaver Brewery, Oceanside, CA.

Thoroughly black, rich brown head on top.

In the nose: peanut butter, cream, cocoa, dark malt.

In the mouth: Sweetness starts it off, nuts, peanut butter, rich, dark malt, cocoa. Tasty stuff, indeed. Medium bodied, expertly drinkable. Smooth and creamy. Goes down nice and easy. Pretty okay peanut butter stout.

Hey, you know what? Why don't we try the nitro version?

Just as black, with a creamier brown head.
Maltier nose, peanut butterier, if a touch.
Smoother, more mellifluous mouthfeel. Mmm, hmm, mmm.

Even more pretty okay peanut butter milk stout.

Our Peanut Butter Milk Stout is simply irresistible. It’s like dark chocolate Reese’s in a glass! Rolled oats and Lactose add to the creamy body of this beer while heavenly aromas of roasted buttery peanuts and chocolate greet you with every sip. Try this out with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a real treat!
Silver Medal – World Beer Championships 2014

Badger Hill Badger Snack Peanut Butter Milk Stout

Badger Hill Badger Snack Peanut Butter Milk Stout. 6.3 % ABV. 13 IBU. Badger Hill Brewing, Shakopee, MN.

Full ebony color, absolutely impenetrable, under a rich, thick cocoa, tan head. Looking good.

In the nose: Peanut butter notes explode. Other flavors seem fairly muted in it's wake. No complaints here, though. If PB's what you want, PB's what you get.

In the mouth: Full bodied, smooth, and just sweet enough, never too. Well balanced. Beautiful texture. Abundant peanut butter flavor, but again, never too much. Chocolate and dark malt flavors lie just below, with a small dose of espresso dipping on the palate. Stays on the semi-sweet side, ends on a dry note. Swift finish, not cloying in the least.

I like this peanut butter stout, and chances are you will, too. This one is available in a mixed pack, if I'm not mistaken. Go out there and get it.

It's a well-known fact that badgers love peanut butter... so we're sure you'll go nuts for this Badger Hill beer, too!

And yes - pun VERY intended.

A blend of roasted malts, flaked oats, flaked barley and milk sugar make for creamy chocolaty base to this peanut butter powered snack. A treat for badgers and beer drinkers alike.

AVAILABLE: Draft and 6-Packs

Modist Wouldst Thou Like To Live Deliciously? Stout with Peanut Butter and Chocolate

Modist Wouldst Thou Like To Live Deliciously?
Stout with Peanut Butter and Chocolate.
7.5 % ABV.
Modist Brewing,
Minneapolis, MN.

Thorough blackness, big, rich brownish head, looking nice.

In the nose: soft and peanutty. Chocolate lurks below. Peanut butter stays on top. Highly likable, this. So peanutty.

In the mouth: Sweetness at the start, with balancing bitterness. Sweet peanutty butter flavors take over, with chocolate keeping time. Delicious. Medium bodied, long, sweet finish. Tasty damned stuff.

I wouldst. I definitely wouldst.

Once more, this was can #4 of a 4-pack, the first three enjoyed without comment, and this fourth held until it was time for the note-taking. I hope it hasn't disappeared, as I would urge you to pick up any that you might see.

Stout brewed with golden promise, peanuts, cocoa nibs, and milk sugar.

Prairie Consider Yourself Hugged

Prairie Artisan Ales Consider Yourself Hugged. Imperial Stout with Peanut Butter Roasted Coffee. 11.9% ABV. 50 IBU. Krebs, Oklahoma.

Pitch black, beautiful brown foam above, looking particularly enticing.

In the nose: coffee hits first, then, yeah, there’s the peanut butter just below. Lots of chocolate in the mix, too. Very nice.

In the mouth: more big and more rich. Deep and decadent. Yum. We're in Chocolate Town with a side trip to coffeeville,  by way of Peanut butterBoulevard. I’m digging it. And at 11.9 %, it’s packing.

This is one I enjoyed a few times while we had it
on tap at Acadia for a short spell, and had to go out and get some for the purposes of this review. Wish it was affordable enough that I could get a few more. ($10 a bottle, or so for this.)