I know, I know, it’s Valentine’s Day and you’re going to drink some wine. That’s great. I love wine. But I always say there’s a beer for every occasion, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. When it comes to sharing beer on a special occasion, it’s a good idea to pick up a bomber; with their large format (usually 22oz or 750ml), ornamental appearance, and generally complex styles, they’re the perfect choice for sharing between two people. I’m all about bringing home a bomber sip on with a special someone on a night in, so may I present to you a quick list of beers fit for Valentine’s Day:

Rogue “Double Chocolate Stout” – Packaged in an alluring, opaque red bottle, this 9% ABV Imperial Stout is brewed with the addition of honey and bittersweet dark chocolate. It’s lighter bodied than you would expect for the style, and would make an absolutely perfect dessert.

Boulevard “Love Child #6” – The Love Child series features different base beer styles all inoculated with the same mix of wild microflora, and then aged in various barrels and blended. This installment is a Belgian-style golden ale that was partially aged in red wine barrels. It’s a beautiful, complex beer that’s tart and acidic, oaky, and a little funky. Pairs great with cheeses and fruity desserts.

Stone “Enjoy By 2/14/16” – This special Valentine’s edition of the Enjoy By series is a departure from the usual style. It’s an Imperial Black IPA – imagine a robust and roasty Porter or Stout that’s hopped-up to the intensity of an IPA. With piney, resinous aromatics and a rich, dark malt backbone, it will make your heart-throb’s heart throb.

Alesmith “My Bloody Valentine” – In a dark departure from the rest of this list, My Bloody Valentine is a beer to “pair with jilted lovers, reservations for one, or you favorite emo album” as per the label. It’s a Red IPA that clocks in at 6.66% ABV. Red IPA is a more balanced, sweeter version of an IPA; with a crimson appearance and some caramelized, malty sweetness to compliment the aggressive hop profile. Pick up one for yourself and another for… yourself.

Cheers!

-Shaughn