Easter isn’t just about chocolate eggs and hot cross buns — it’s also the perfect time to indulge in something a little more grown-up: chocolate beers. Whether you’re a craft beer nut or just looking to swap the usual choccies for something with a bit more kick, these brews are a delicious way to celebrate. Think smooth, rich, roasty stouts and creative dessert-inspired beers that’ll have you cracking open a can before you even unwrap your first egg.
We’ve sipped our way through many chocolatey brews to bring you a list of the tastiest chocolate beers perfect for Easter sipping. From classic cocoa-laced stouts to wild flavour mashups, there’s something here to suit every palate. Let’s hop to it!
What Are Chocolate Beers?
Chocolate beers are typically stouts or porters brewed with cocoa nibs, chocolate malt, or even real chocolate. Some go full Easter egg mode with added vanilla, lactose, or spices for a dessert-like finish. They’re rich, sometimes boozy, and ridiculously satisfying when you’re in the mood for something decadent.
Top Chocolate Beers to Try This Easter
- Hop Nation The Kalash Dessert – Imperial Stout
This brew is pure indulgence. Hop Nation Brewery’s ‘The Kalash Dessert’ version ramps up their iconic imperial stout with luscious layers of chocolate, vanilla and roasted coffee. It’s thick, warming, and dangerously smooth. Perfect for a chilly Easter evening by the fire (or heat pump). - Deeds Brewing Dark Chocolate & Orange – Imperial Stout
Like a jaffa in a glass. Deeds Brewing nails the balance between rich dark chocolate and bright citrusy orange, giving you dessert vibes without going full sugar bomb. At 10% ABV, it’s definitely a sipper. - Big Shed Golden Choc – Dessert Ale
This one’s a curveball — a golden ale with the soul of a chocolate bar. Big Shed Brewery knows how to have fun, and this choc ale is sweet, smooth, and totally unexpected. It’s great for those who want a lighter body but still want that chocolatey hit. - Bad Shepherd Choc Hazelnut Brownie – Dessert Stout
Yep, it tastes exactly like it sounds. A Rich, nutty, chocolatey and just straight-up delicious beer by Bad Shepard Brewery. If you’re the kind of person who sneaks a Ferrero Rocher or two before brekkie on Easter morning, this one’s your match made in heaven. - White Bay Brewing Co Cherry Ripe Stout
Inspired by the classic Aussie choccie bar, this stout delivers all the chocolate, cherry, and coconut goodness you’d expect — but in liquid form. It’s a big, bold, and borderline dessert option from White Bay Brewing. Pop one open after dinner and skip the actual sweets. - Bodriggy Mocha Maitland – Coffee Chocolate Stout
This one’s got a double hit of caffeine and cocoa. Bodriggy Brewing Company has created a full-bodied mocha stout that brings together the best parts of your morning coffee and Easter chocs. Rich, roasty, and a little bit rebellious. - Capital Brewing Co Evil Eye Red IPA
Ok, technically not a chocolate beer, but it sneaks in with notes of toffee, caramel, and cocoa lurking under the hop bitterness. It’s a great option from Capital Brewing if you want something that nods to Easter flavours without going full stout.
Why Chocolate Beer Is Perfect for Easter
Let’s be honest — Easter is basically the ultimate excuse to treat yourself. And while the kids are smashing through chocolate bunnies, there’s no reason you can’t join in with a more adult twist. Chocolate beers pair incredibly well with Easter desserts, from fruit-heavy puddings to caramel-drenched tarts. They’re also just cosy. Easter weekend in Australia can swing between beach weather and doona days, so having a rich stout on hand is always a good move.
How To Pair Chocolate Beers With Food
- With Chocolate Desserts: Go for stouts and dessert ales. The richness complements brownies, chocolate mousse, or even a cheeky Cadbury Creme Egg.
- With Cheese: Yep, it works. Try a chocolate porter with a sharp cheddar or even a creamy brie. Trust us.
- With Spiced Hot Cross Buns: A mocha stout or beer with cinnamon or nutmeg notes will sing alongside a buttered bun.
- With Fruit-Based Treats: A cherry stout or citrusy chocolate beer (like the Deeds Chocolate & Orange) works wonders with berry tarts or pavlova.
Where To Buy These Chocolate Easter Beers
Most of these brews are featured in Beer Cartel’s Easter Beer Hunt, a brilliant mixed pack that makes beer gifting (or treating yourself) a breeze. You can also try your luck at your local independent bottle-o or craft beer bar — but these babies sell out quick once Easter hits, so don’t wait too long.
FAQs – Chocolate Beer Edition
Do chocolate beers actually taste like chocolate?
Yep, many do! Depending on how they’re brewed, you’ll pick up flavours from chocolate malt, cocoa nibs, or added chocolate. Some are subtle and bittersweet, others go full dessert mode. It’s like drinking a smooth, boozy block of your favourite choccie.
Are chocolate beers very sweet?
Some can be, especially dessert stouts brewed with lactose or vanilla. But many chocolate beers are well-balanced, with roasted bitterness to counteract the sweetness. If you prefer dry and bitter over rich and creamy, look for stouts with higher ABV and less adjunct sweetness.
What’s the best style of beer for chocolate flavours?
Stouts and porters are your go-to. Their roasted malt base naturally brings out coffee and cocoa notes. But brewers get creative — you’ll also find chocolate in brown ales, IPAs, and even golden ales like Big Shed’s Golden Choc.
Can I drink chocolate beer year-round?
Of course! While they’re especially popular in autumn and winter, or around Easter, chocolate beers are great anytime you want something rich and flavourful. Just don’t expect them to quench your thirst on a 40°C day at the beach.
Final Sip – Which One Should You Try First?
If you want full-on chocolate overload, go straight for Bad Shepherd’s Choc Hazelnut Brownie or Hop Nation’s Kalash Dessert. Love a twist? Deeds’ Chocolate & Orange will hit the spot. For a sessionable (and totally unexpected) choice, Big Shed’s Golden Choc is fun and surprising.
Whatever your taste, this Easter is the perfect time to try something new, have a bit of fun with your beer choices, and maybe start a new tradition. After all, who says the kids get to have all the chocolate?
And if you want to find a brewery near you pouring these limited edition brews, check out the Find A Brewery pages in your local area — it’s updated with the best local spots slinging craft beer gold.