Afternoon Beer Break: Left Hand Peanut Butter Milk Stout

While most people tend to have a favorite style of beer, there are some of us who like to change it up. For me, that tends to be seasonal, with the lighter lagers, IPAs and fruited stuff hitting in the warm temps, and the stuff that’s as dark as winter evening in, well, the winter. Which means I like to switch it over to stouts. Lately, I’ve been trying some sweeter options (sometimes called “dessert” stouts), one of the latest of those being the Left Hand Peanut Butter Milk Stout.

Now, as I’ve said, I’ve a soft spot for Left Hand, as I’m a lefty, and I’ve also got family in the town they call home. Some didn’t hit home for me, and others (like the Hard Wired Nitro, which I need to review) have really hit the spot. The Left Hand Peanut Butter Milk Stout, well, that’s in the latter category.

I think Left Hand has realized that Milk Stouts are a calling card for the brand (as is the Nitro), and they capitalize on playing around with that formula. No nitro here, but the base is very much a milk stout. That gives you a creamier texture, albeit one that is not overly thick or heavy. Which I will admit, sometimes stout can really overpower the mouthfeel – but this is not the case here.

And you know what, as far as dessert stouts go, the Left Hand Peanut Butter Milk Stout is very well balanced – it’s not overly sweet (just enough!) and while the peanut butter is there, it’s not over powering. While sometimes you might want that sort of overpoweringly sweet hit (especially if you’re pouring one up instead of eating a dessert), I think this option gives you the balance to have one – not after dinner – and not feel like you’re having cake for an afternoon snack.

So, if you’re looking for a sugar buzz that you practically have to chew, the Left Hand Peanut Butter Milk Stout is not your beer, man. On the other hand, if you’re looking for a dark, flavorful option that won’t sit like a rock on you, then I’d say this is one to seek out. lefthandbrewing.com