Looking for some stout advice!

As far as stouts go, all of the recommendations I've seen so far are for fantastic beers... but quite a number of the names tossed out so far have been those bigger, imperial stouts (i.e. the Imperial Biscotti, BCBS, Storm King, Brooklyn Black Chocolate) that don't seem to fit the profile of what you're seeking - at least as I understand your initial post.

From the link you provided, see if you can find Finch's Secret Stache Stout. Chicago-based brewery, distributes in a 4pk of 16oz cans. Only 5.3% ABV. Big chocolate/coffee/vanilla balance. And quite cheap too (at least around here). Definitely underrated, but sounds like it's more what you're looking for if you want a lower ABV stout to get started.

 

How come you never see Milk Porters?

 

I've heard Binny's in Chicagoland is starting to get Schlaflys about a week or two ago. I've not found it yet. Their Coffee Stout is on list of serious wants, and I've heard it's delicious. My nephew is a big fan.

OP - Besides the other great recommendations in the thread (especially FBS), we've got a couple of great locals in the coffee stout category. Begyle's Flannel Pajamas and Joe Daddy Imperial Coffee Stout by Pig Minds are two great examples I think you'll like. More of an Imperial Stout, Grumpness by Solemn Oath is another tasty option. I am also a big fan of Chocolate Milk Stout and Bona Fide Imperial Stout by 4 Hands. There are a lot of great stouts out there.

 

BCBS release is just around the corner too.

 

I'm surprised nobody mentioned OB Ten-Fidy. Easily one of the smoothest drinking and approachable IS on the market. OP,if you can find it, GET IT!

 

Ditto on Ten Fiddy. Also if you can get your hands on Terrapin MooHoo, it is an excellent chocolate milk stout that is a good introduction course before grabbing Terrapin's Wake-n-Bake.

 

I would recommend:

Founders Breakfast Stout -very smooth
Southern Tier Mokah- more chocolate than coffee
Ten FIDY-gets a little boozy when it warms. Thick
Left Hand Milk Stout Nitro
Stone Xocoveza-a lot of hype but def worth a try

For someone trying to break into stouts Founders Breakfast Stout would be my first recommendation. Awesomely smooth and flavorful.

 

To answer you OP...
I recommend :

Against the grain 35k
Brooklyns black chocolate stout
Evil twin imperial biscotti break

..these sound up your alley as well,but they are porters.

Evil twin lil B
Deschutes black butte

 

If you're looking for a stout that's not too heavy and has big coffee flavor, look no further than Founders Breakfast Stout. Especially right now that it's fresh...incredible coffee flavor and aroma.

Since some people on this thread have recommended porters, I'll throw in my two cents and tell you to grab a bottle of Ballast Point Victory at Sea. Again, great coffee flavor.

 

I second brooklyns black chocolate as being totally delicious, widely available and not expensive. Plead the fifth also by dark horse is a lovely stout.

 

Rogue Mocha Porter is pretty easy to find, and one of their better beers. It sounds like something you'd enjoy.

 

Bell's just released quite a few stouts this month. Seek them all out, buy them and enjoy them all.

 

On the list given. Bells Double Cream stout, Bells Java Stout, Ipswitch Oatmeal stout, Founders Porter (although not a "stout" it drinks like one), Left Hand Nitro Milk stout to name a few.

Not on the beer list shown I'd go looking for Moloko from Three Floyds if you can. That is one smooth milk stout I think is right up your alley.

 

Look for oatmeal stouts, they add a creamy smoothness to the beer, may make it easier for you.

But for some that don't taste like typical big stouts I really like these:

Samuel Smith organic chocolate stout.

These two don't make it to the midwest but if you can find some. Belching Beaver peanut butter milk stout and Karl Strauss peanut butter porter, they both taste like candy.

 

Founders breakfast stout, Sam smith's organic chocolate stout, left hand milk stout, stone coffee milk stout