If you’re looking for the perfect chocolate stout Easter beer, you might usually reach for chocolate eggs this time of year but what if you could drink your chocolate instead?
The Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout (5.9% ABV) from Vocational Brewery makes a strong case. Rich, indulgent, and packed with dessert-like flavour, it leans fully into its chocolate profile while still delivering the drinkability you expect from a well-crafted stout.
Designed to satisfy a sweet tooth, this beer positions itself as a seasonal standout, and potentially one of the most fitting choices you could crack open over the Easter weekend.
First Impressions of this Chocolate Stout Easter Beer
From the moment it’s poured, this stout makes an impact. The liquid is completely jet black, with a creamy head that immediately hints at its richness. Visually alone, it delivers everything you’d expect from a chocolate-forward stout.
There’s a clear sense of indulgence before you’ve even taken a sip.
Aroma
On the nose, the chocolate character is unmistakable. This isn’t subtle or understated. Instead, it’s bold and dessert-like, with aromas reminiscent of hot chocolate, chocolate sauce, and soft marshmallow.
One beer that comes to mind and feels on par with this is Norway’s Amundsen Brewery Dessert In A Can series, specifically the Hazelnut Mochaccino Sundae, which Luke sampled back on his 23rd birthday.
There’s a sweetness present, but it doesn’t feel artificial or overpowering. It leans more towards the comforting smell of a warm, high-quality chocolate drink than a sugary confection.
Taste
The flavour is where this beer really shines.
From the first sip, it’s clear that this is a chocolate stout in the truest sense. The dominant note is smooth, rich chocolate, layered with hints of milk chocolate and deeper dark chocolate tones. As it develops on the palate, additional flavours begin to emerge.
There’s a subtle raisin character, adding a slight depth and complexity, alongside a gentle maltiness that balances the sweetness. At times, it even brings to mind something like rocky road, combining chocolate, sweetness, and a soft, rounded texture.
What’s particularly impressive is how drinkable this chocolate stout Easter beer is. At 5.9% ABV, you might expect a heavier or more intense experience, but it remains smooth and accessible throughout. In fact, it’s dangerously easy to forget the strength entirely.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel adds to the dessert-like quality. It’s smooth, slightly creamy, and coats the palate in a way that enhances the chocolate flavours without becoming too thick or cloying.
It sits somewhere between a traditional stout and a liquid dessert, which is exactly what makes it so appealing.
Food Pairing & Occasion
This is a beer that feels tailor-made for Easter. If you’re someone who enjoys higher-quality chocolate, such as truffles or richer chocolate selections, this stout aligns perfectly with those flavour profiles.
It could work well alongside desserts, particularly chocolate-based ones, or even as a standalone after-dinner drink. For some, it might even replace the Easter egg altogether.
Final Thoughts of this Chocolate Stout Easter Beer
The Naughty & Nice Chocolate Stout delivers exactly what it promises. It’s rich, indulgent, and unapologetically chocolate-forward, without losing balance or drinkability.
For fans of dessert stouts, it’s an easy recommendation. For those new to the style, it’s a great introduction to how expressive and enjoyable stouts can be.
As an Easter beer, it feels particularly well suited. It captures the spirit of the season while offering something a little different from the usual treats.
If you’re looking for a beer that leans into indulgence and flavour, this is one well worth trying.
