The Top Ten Cream Stouts
This Top Ten Cream Stouts list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. A Cream Stout is a luxurious, full-bodied brew that marries deep, roasted malt character with a silky, creamy texture. Pouring a rich ebony with a dense, tan head, it releases enticing aromas of dark chocolate, freshly brewed espresso, and a whisper of vanilla. On the palate, it delivers a harmonious blend of caramel sweetness, roasted coffee, and subtle toffee notes, enhanced by the smooth mouthfeel from lactose additions. With low bitterness and a touch of earthy hops, this stout is both approachable and intricate, making it an ideal companion for cozy evenings or decadent desserts like chocolate torte or vanilla bean ice cream. ABV: 5.8% | IBU: 25
Top 10 Cream Stouts in the USA
1. Moozie – Brink Brewing Co. – Ohio
Moozie is Brink Brewing’s indulgent milk stout, pouring a rich, dark brown with a frothy, mocha-colored head. This smooth, medium-bodied brew offers a delightful blend of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and subtle coffee notes, rounded out by a creamy sweetness from lactose. Its low bitterness and silky texture make it an easy-drinking yet flavorful stout, ideal for cozy evenings or pairing with desserts like tiramisu. Moozie reflects Brink’s commitment to approachable, high-quality craft beer, earning local acclaim in Cincinnati’s vibrant beer scene. ABV: 5.5% | IBU: 20
2. Higher Purpose – Third Eye Brewing Company – Ohio
A luxurious milk stout that epitomizes balance and depth, Higher Purpose pours a deep, opaque black with a creamy tan head. Crafted with over nine types of grain, it delivers rich notes of caramel, chocolate, and coffee, complemented by a soft, creamy sweetness from lactose. This award-winning stout (Gold at 2021 GABF, Bronze at 2023 World Beer Cup) is full-bodied yet approachable, with restrained roastiness and a velvety mouthfeel. A portion of proceeds supports The Live Like Maya Foundation, aligning with Third Eye’s “Do Good” mission. Perfect for savoring solo or pairing with dark chocolate desserts. ABV: 7.0% | IBU: 25
3. 30 E. Stout Street – Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant – Pennsylvania
Named with a nod to Iron Hill’s roots, 30 E. Stout Street is a robust American stout that pours jet black with a dense, tan head. Expect bold aromas of roasted malt and espresso, leading into a complex palate of bittersweet chocolate, dark caramel, and a hint of smoky roast. Its medium-full body and moderate bitterness provide a balanced finish, making it a versatile companion for hearty dishes like smoked brisket or sharp cheddar. This stout showcases Iron Hill’s dedication to classic styles with a modern twist. ABV: 6.5% | IBU: 35
4. Secret Society – Tire Shack Brewing Co. – New Brunswick, Canada
Secret Society is Tire Shack’s decadent milk stout, pouring a deep, velvety black with a creamy, off-white head. Infused with rich chocolate and roasted coffee flavors, it’s enhanced by a smooth, sweet lactose backbone that softens the roastiness. Subtle hints of vanilla and caramel add depth, creating a dessert-like experience in every sip. This medium-bodied stout is approachable yet bold, perfect for pairing with pastries or enjoying as a fireside treat. Tire Shack’s playful, community-driven ethos shines through in this crowd-pleaser. ABV: 5.8% | IBU: 22
5. Chocolate Milk Stout – Boxing Bear Brewing Co. – New Mexico
Boxing Bear’s Chocolate Milk Stout is a luscious, dessert-inspired brew that pours a near-black hue with a thick, cocoa-colored head. Bursting with rich cocoa and dark chocolate flavors, it’s balanced by a creamy sweetness from lactose and a touch of roasted malt bitterness. The silky mouthfeel and moderate ABV make it dangerously drinkable, ideal for pairing with vanilla ice cream or spicy Mexican dishes. A staple in Albuquerque’s craft scene, this stout has earned local love for its bold yet approachable profile. ABV: 5.6% | IBU: 25
6. Wild Greasy Grinder – Knuckle Puck Brewing – Colorado
Wild Greasy Grinder is Knuckle Puck’s adventurous take on a milk stout, pouring a deep, opaque brown with a frothy, beige head. This bold brew combines roasted malt and chocolate notes with a creamy lactose sweetness, accented by a unique twist of wild fermentation that adds a subtle tartness and funky complexity. Its medium body and smooth finish make it a standout for stout lovers seeking something unconventional. Pair with aged cheeses or smoked meats to complement its wild edge. ABV: 6.2% | IBU: 28
7. Layer Stout – Bowigens Beer Co. – Florida
Layer Stout from Bowigens is a rich, multi-dimensional milk stout that pours a deep ebony with a creamy, tan head. True to its name, it offers layers of flavor: robust roasted malt, bittersweet chocolate, and toffee, softened by lactose for a smooth, dessert-like sweetness. Subtle vanilla and coffee undertones add complexity, while its full body and low bitterness make it a cozy sipper. Perfect for pairing with caramelized desserts or enjoying on a warm Florida evening. ABV: 6.0% | IBU: 24
8. Mustachio Milk Stout – Tractor Brewing Co. – New Mexico
Mustachio Milk Stout is Tractor Brewing’s playful yet robust offering, pouring a dark, near-black hue with a thick, mocha head. This medium-bodied stout blends roasted malt and dark chocolate flavors with a creamy, lactose-driven sweetness, accented by hints of espresso and caramel. Its smooth, slightly nutty finish makes it a crowd-pleaser in Albuquerque’s taprooms, ideal for pairing with spicy green chile dishes or pecan pie. The mustache-themed branding adds a fun, quirky vibe to this New Mexican favorite. ABV: 5.7% | IBU: 23
9. Irish Prenup – Barley Naked Brewing Co. – Virginia
Irish Prenup is Barley Naked’s Irish-style dry stout with a modern twist, pouring a classic jet black with a creamy, off-white head. Unlike sweeter milk stouts, this leaner brew emphasizes roasted barley and coffee notes, with a touch of dark chocolate and a crisp, dry finish. A hint of lactose adds subtle creaminess without overpowering the traditional Irish stout character. Its light body and moderate ABV make it sessionable, perfect for pairing with oysters or shepherd’s pie. ABV: 5.2% | IBU: 30
10. Double German Chocolate Cake Stout – Wolf Brewing Co. – Pennsylvania
Wolf Brewing’s Double German Chocolate Cake Stout is an indulgent imperial stout that pours an inky black with a dense, cocoa-hued head. This dessert-in-a-glass explodes with rich chocolate, toasted coconut, and pecan flavors, mimicking its namesake cake. Lactose and a hefty malt bill create a creamy, full-bodied texture, balanced by a touch of roastiness and low hop bitterness. Its high ABV makes it a slow sipper, ideal for pairing with vanilla bean cheesecake or enjoying as a decadent nightcap. ABV: 8.5% | IBU: 30
History of Cream Stouts
The history of cream stouts traces back to the early evolution of stout beers in 18th-century England, where porters and stouts emerged as popular dark ales among the working class. Stouts, initially a stronger version of porter, were brewed with roasted barley, giving them a robust, coffee-like character. The term “cream stout” began to appear in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, notably with breweries like Guinness and others experimenting with smoother, sweeter variations of stout. These beers often incorporated lactose (milk sugar), which added a creamy mouthfeel and subtle sweetness that balanced the bitter roasted malt. This innovation was partly inspired by “milk stouts,” a style marketed as nourishing and even prescribed for health benefits, particularly for nursing mothers, due to the perceived nutritional value of lactose.
By the mid-20th century, cream stouts gained traction, particularly in the United Kingdom, with brands like Mackeson’s Milk Stout setting the standard for the style. The use of lactose became a defining feature, creating a velvety texture and softening the stout’s intensity, making it more approachable. However, the style faced challenges during wartime rationing and changing consumer tastes, which favored lighter beers. In recent decades, the craft beer renaissance in the United States and beyond has revived interest in cream stouts, with modern breweries like Left Hand Brewing and Samuel Smith’s producing notable examples. Today, cream stouts remain a beloved niche, appreciated for their rich yet smooth profile, often enjoyed as a dessert-like beer with notes of chocolate, caramel, and coffee.
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