Everything You Need to Know About Milk Stout and 7 to Try

If you’ve ever spent time gazing at the handles of taps at the local craft beer establishment, you’ve likely noticed the expression “milk stout.” You’ve been wondering, what does milk stout mean? Milk stout is not just a clever term highlighting a stout’s creamy texture. There are milk-derived components in these brews.

Milk stouts — sometimes known as “cream”- are dark beers made with lactose, a sugar in milk. Lactose is not fermentable when exposed to yeast in beer which gives sweetness to final beers. If correctly brewed, it will perfectly match the bitter taste of the hops and barley.

Milk stouts became popular in the 1800s. At the time, many beer drinkers were laborers who drank their ales and lagers in breakfast or lunchtime meals. Like how the classic “Guinness for Strength” advertisements were designed to attract customers by promoting healthy and nutritious slogans, Brewers realized the benefits of adding lactose, and calling their beer “milk stout” made it appear healthier and influential in sales. If you’re lactose-intolerant, stay away from this type of beer. This rich and creamy beer style is worth a shot in other cases.

Milk Stout Nitro by Left Hand Brewing Company

Chocolate, brown sugar, and coffee notes highlight the flavor of this Colorado brewery’s most popular beer, which the makers have called “America’s stout.” Although this nitrogen-infused beer’s smooth texture is appealing even if served chilled, its full-bodied flavor and richness are revealed when a couple of degrees warms it. The canned and bottled variants also include nitrogen, allowing you to enjoy the same soft texture in the comfort of your home. This is the perfect jumping-off for those interested in milk Stouts.

Gunner’s Daughter Milk Stout by Mast Landing Brewing Co.

This smoky, balanced, and smooth milk stout by Maine’s Mast Landing Brewing Co. boasts deep flavors of dark chocolate and coffee and delicious layers of peanut butter, and it’s not brewed with any nuts in actuality. The combination of flavors makes an incredibly distinctive and unique flavor. a unique and distinctive taste that makes it stand out in comparison to other milk stouts.

Milk Stout by Lancaster Brewing Co.

Brewn since 1995 and hailed as the “original craft milk stout” by Lancaster Brewing in Pennsylvania, this beer is as smooth and creamy as you’d expect looking at its thick head and dark mocha shade. It’s at the sweeter end on the scale of milk stout because of the low alcohol content. However, it’s delicious but not overly sweet.

Madagascar by 4 Hands Brewing Co.

It is only released once a year. This Imperial milk stout from the state of Missouri’s Four Hands Brewing is aged in Bourbon barrels and is named after the abundance of Madagascan vanilla beans used in the making process. Vanilla is prominent in its aroma and taste, as well as chocolate and a licorice-like taste of whiskey. It’s a unique and distinctive interpretation of milk stout. Of 4 Hands is a limited release, Madagascar is highly sought after and is sold out fast, and you’ll need to get your hands on it if you are interested in trying this unusual beverage.

Xocoveza by Stone Brewing

Brewn with cocoa, coffee spice, spices, and the pasilla chile pepper, The Stone Brewing, a Southern California-based brewery,’s interpretation of “Mexican hot chocolate.” Although plenty is happening in this beer, including layers of baking spices to a distinct patina of heat from the peppers — the ingredients blend in a way that makes it go down smoothly for an 8-ABV beer. It’s the perfect beer to sit by an open fireplace in winter. The special edition beer will only be released once a year, and you’ll need to keep an eye on it when you’re in the market for an exclusive milk stout.

Moo-Hoo Chocolate Milk Stout by Terrapin Beer Co.

Available at the Terrapin Brewery in Athens, Georgia, this beer offers delightful aromas of milk chocolate and medium-roast coffee, giving way to mildly bitter, spice-and-cream-tinged goodness on the palate. The chocolate and sweetness shine in this beer, especially when you spend time when drinking the beer.

Duck-Rabbit Milk Stout by The Duck-Rabbit Craft Brewery

This beer, brewed in North Carolina, is smooth, rich, and soft. Duck-Rabbit is a winner for pleasing milk stouts and can do so with outstanding balance and drinking ability. Caramel and black coffee shine through in the aroma and palate, but they aren’t overwhelming the sweet chocolate and burnt malt flavors that add to the taste.