Destihl Moonjumper 6Pk

Destihl Moonjumper 6Pk is an English-style milk stout from DESTIHL Brewery in Normal, Illinois, sold in a six-pack format at 6.1% ABV. Brewed with an uncommon addition of midnight wheat alongside lactose and multiple chocolate malts, it carries a 3.67 rating across more than 17,000 reviews on Untappd — a strong showing for a regional milk stout.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.1%  |  IBU: 30  |  Origin: Normal, Illinois  |  Style: English Sweet / Milk Stout  |  Brewery: DESTIHL Brewery

Production & Heritage

DESTIHL Brewery operates a 120-barrel brewhouse in Normal, Illinois, with fermentation and cellar capacity capable of producing over 150,000 barrels annually. Moonjumper's grain bill includes chocolate malt, pale chocolate malt, roasted barley, flaked oats, midnight wheat, caramel malt 90, two-row malt, and lactose — the unfermentable sugar responsible for the stout's signature sweetness and fuller body. The inclusion of midnight wheat is a distinguishing choice; unlike standard roasted malts, midnight wheat contributes deep color and subtle complexity without excessive bitterness or astringency, giving Moonjumper a smoother profile than many stouts in its class.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Rich chocolate arrives immediately — milk chocolate dominates with darker cocoa undertones layered beneath. Subtle roasted barley and a faint nuttiness round out the nose, keeping things inviting rather than aggressive.

Taste: The palate opens with a wave of milk chocolate that leans more sweet than bitter, evoking a candy-bar quality that several reviewers have compared to a Mr. Goodbar. Mid-palate, roasted notes emerge — espresso, dark chocolate, and a touch of oak-like depth. The lactose provides body and a creamy sweetness that keeps the roast character in check, while flaked oats contribute a soft, rounded mouthfeel despite the beer's relatively lighter body.

Finish: Semi-sweet and moderate in length, with lingering chocolate and a slight roasty edge that prevents the ending from turning cloying. Carbonation stays lively through the finish, adding a clean lift.

How to Drink Moonjumper

Pour into a tulip glass or English pint glass at around 45–50°F to let the chocolate and roast aromatics open up fully. Moonjumper drinks well on its own, but its smooth sweetness also makes it a versatile ingredient in beer cocktails. A Beer Float with vanilla ice cream amplifies the milk chocolate character into a genuine dessert. A Black Velvet variation — equal parts Moonjumper and sparkling wine — plays the stout's sweetness against dry effervescence for a surprisingly elegant pairing. And in a Snakebite layered with dry cider, Moonjumper's lactose richness creates a compelling contrast against tart apple.

Best For

• Introducing someone to dark beer styles without the intensity of imperial stouts
• Dessert course pairing at a dinner party
• Cool-weather weekend sessions when a lighter ABV is preferred
• Gifting to a craft beer fan exploring Illinois breweries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Moonjumper taste like? Moonjumper is dominated by milk chocolate flavor with supporting notes of espresso, dark roast, and a subtle nuttiness, finishing semi-sweet thanks to the lactose in its recipe. The body is lighter than many stouts, with good carbonation and a creamy texture from flaked oats.

How does Moonjumper compare to Left Hand Milk Stout? Both are English-style milk stouts in the 6% ABV range, but Moonjumper's grain bill includes midnight wheat, which contributes color and smoothness without the sharper roast bite found in Left Hand's version. Left Hand Milk Stout sits at 25 IBU compared to Moonjumper's 30, yet Moonjumper generally reads as sweeter and more chocolate-forward on the palate.

Is Moonjumper good for beginners? Yes — its moderate 6.1% ABV, restrained bitterness at 30 IBU, and prominent milk chocolate sweetness make it one of the more approachable dark beers available. It serves as an excellent gateway into stout styles for drinkers who find roastier options too intense.

Where is Moonjumper made? Moonjumper is brewed at DESTIHL Brewery's production facility at 1200 Greenbriar Drive in Normal, Illinois. The brewery operates a large-scale 120-barrel brewhouse with distribution across multiple states.

What foods pair well with Moonjumper? Chocolate brownies or flourless chocolate cake echo the beer's dominant flavor and amplify its dessert-like quality. Smoked pulled pork benefits from the stout's roast and sweetness cutting through the fat. Sharp cheddar cheese creates a classic contrast of savory and sweet. Vanilla bean ice cream turns the beer into a float-style pairing. Barbecue ribs with a molasses-based glaze mirror the caramel malt sweetness in the grain bill.

What sizes does Moonjumper come in? Moonjumper is commonly available in a six-pack format, which is the standard retail configuration for this beer.

Is Moonjumper worth the price? Moonjumper positions as a mid-range craft milk stout — competitively placed against other regional and national milk stouts in six-pack format. Its layered grain bill featuring midnight wheat and lactose delivers complexity that justifies its standing alongside better-known names in the style.

Why Moonjumper?

The use of midnight wheat in a milk stout grain bill is genuinely uncommon, and it shows in the glass — Moonjumper achieves deep color and smooth roast character without the acrid bitterness that can plague stouts relying solely on traditional dark malts. With over 17,000 Untappd ratings averaging 3.67, it has built a consistent following that speaks to repeatability and quality control from DESTIHL's sizable production operation. For drinkers who want a chocolate-forward, sessionable stout that avoids the heavy, syrupy tendencies of imperial versions, Moonjumper fills a specific and welcome niche. It is an honest, well-constructed milk stout from a brewery with serious production capability behind it.