Brewery: Left Hand Brewing Co. (Longmont, Colorado)
Style: Milk Stout (Sweet Stout)
ABV: 6.0%
IBU: 25
Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout is a standout in the world of sweet stouts, often recognized as one of the defining examples of the style. While the brewery gained widespread fame for their Nitro Milk Stout, the original carbonated version still holds its own with a rich, creamy body and well balanced sweetness.
Appearance – 4.5/5
Milk Stout pours a deep, almost black color with garnet highlights when held up to light. It forms a thick, frothy tan head that clings to the glass, offering excellent lacing. The beer looks inviting!
Aroma – 4.3/5
The aroma is bold and roasty, featuring notes of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and caramel. The lactose (milk sugar) adds a subtle sweetness that smooths out any harsh roast character. Hints of vanilla and toffee round out the bouquet, making it both comforting and complex.
Taste – 4.5/5
The first sip delivers exactly what the aroma suggests. Rich chocolate and roasted malt flavors take center stage, accompanied by a smooth, creamy sweetness from the lactose. The coffee-like bitterness provides balance, preventing the beer from becoming overly sweet. There’s a light touch of earthy hops in the background, but the malt is the star here. The finish is smooth, slightly sweet, and satisfying, leaving a lingering cocoa and espresso aftertaste.
Mouthfeel – 4.7/5
This beer’s texture is one of its standout features. The lactose adds a velvety, full-bodied mouthfeel, making it incredibly smooth and creamy without feeling heavy. Carbonation is moderate, providing just enough lift to keep the beer from being too thick.
Drinkability – 4.3/5
For a stout, this beer is surprisingly easy to drink. The balance between sweetness, roastiness, and body makes it a great option for both seasoned stout lovers and newcomers to the style. It’s an excellent choice for cooler weather, but its smooth nature makes it enjoyable year-round.
Overall Rating – 4.5/5
Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout is a benchmark for the style, offering a perfect blend of sweetness, roast, and body. The creamy mouthfeel and well-balanced flavors make it an approachable yet complex beer. Whether you’re a longtime stout fan or just getting into dark beers, this one is definitely worth trying.
One of the most interesting aspects of Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout is its role in popularizing nitro beers in the craft market. While this version is traditionally carbonated, the brewery’s Nitro Milk Stout is widely regarded as one of the best nitro stouts available. Left Hand Brewing was also one of the first American craft breweries to use nitrogenated bottles and cans, making them a pioneer in the category.
If you enjoy roasty, chocolatey beers with a smooth finish, this beer is a fantastic choice. Those who prefer drier stouts (like Irish Dry Stouts) may find it a bit on the sweeter side, but it’s not cloying. Pair it with grilled meats, chocolate desserts, or even a rich, creamy cheese for an excellent experience.
If you’ve tried Left Hand Brewing’s Milk Stout, please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
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