Off Color Dino S'mores 4Pk

Off Color Dino S'mores 4Pk is a s'mores-inspired imperial stout from Chicago's Off Color Brewing, packaged as a 4-pack at 9.5% ABV. This pastry stout earned a 92 score on BeerAdvocate across more than 1,300 ratings and took home "best beer" honors at the Brewpub Shootout, cementing its reputation as one of Chicago's standout dessert stouts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 9.5%  |  Origin: Chicago, Illinois  |  Style: Imperial Stout  |  Brewery: Off Color Brewing

Production & Heritage

Off Color Brewing operates out of Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood, founded on a philosophy of reviving overlooked beer styles and pushing conventional boundaries. Dino S'mores draws from both American imperial stout traditions—bold, high-gravity, and richly adjuncted—and Scandinavian brewing techniques that emphasize a drier body and a broader variety of roasted malts for structural bitterness. The grain bill is remarkably complex, built from ten different malts including Pale, Vienna, Wheat, Cara II, Extra Special, Dark Chocolate, and Black malts alongside Flaked Oats and Roasted Barley. The s'mores character comes from layering emulsified cocoa nibs, graham flour, marshmallow fluff, molasses, and sliced Indonesian vanilla beans added directly to the tank.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Sweet marshmallow rises immediately, followed by a deep wave of roasted barley and dark baking chocolate. Underneath, the Indonesian vanilla beans contribute a warm, creamy fragrance that ties the campfire-inspired elements together.

Taste: The entry is intensely fudgy, with a heavier-than-expected dose of dark baking chocolate from the emulsified cocoa nibs hitting the front palate. Mid-palate, sweet marshmallow and vanilla intertwine with graham cracker grain notes, while the Scandinavian-influenced malt backbone keeps the body from tipping into cloying territory. The molasses adds depth and a subtle caramel undertone that rounds out the sweetness.

Finish: A touch of smoke lingers on the close, evoking the sensation of standing around an actual campfire—a toasted marshmallow held just close enough to the flame. The roasted barley and dark malt bitterness return to dry things out, leaving a long, satisfying chocolate-and-char aftertaste.

How to Drink Dino S'mores

Pour into a tulip glass or snifter at 45–50°F to let the full aroma open up; the complexity here rewards slow, deliberate sipping rather than drinking straight from the can. As it warms slightly, the vanilla and marshmallow character becomes more pronounced.

• Stout Float: Pair with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream—the beer's cocoa and marshmallow amplify the classic float format into something closer to actual s'mores.
• Black Velvet variation: A small measure of Dino S'mores blended with dry sparkling wine plays the roasty sweetness against bright acidity for a surprisingly balanced cocktail.
• Beer-a-misu: Use as the soaking liquid in a tiramisu-inspired dessert drink or layered with cold-brew coffee and cream for a rich after-dinner sipper.

Best For

• Sharing at a backyard bonfire or camping trip where the s'mores theme lands perfectly
• Gifting a craft beer enthusiast who gravitates toward pastry stouts and dessert-forward styles
• Dessert course pairing at a dinner party as an alternative to port or sweet wine
• Cold-weather evening sessions when a high-gravity, warming stout fits the mood

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Dino S'mores taste like? Dino S'mores delivers rich, fudgy dark chocolate and sweet marshmallow up front, followed by graham cracker maltiness and a smoky, campfire-like finish. The Indonesian vanilla beans add a creamy sweetness throughout without overwhelming the roasted malt backbone.

How does Dino S'mores compare to Southern Tier S'mores? Both are s'mores-themed imperial stouts, but Dino S'mores uses Scandinavian brewing techniques and ten distinct malts to achieve a drier body and more pronounced roast character. Southern Tier's version tends to lean sweeter and fuller-bodied, while Off Color's rendition balances its pastry elements with structural bitterness.

Is Dino S'mores good for sipping neat? Absolutely—at 9.5% ABV with layers of chocolate, marshmallow, vanilla, and roasted malt, Dino S'mores is built for slow sipping from a snifter or tulip glass rather than casual drinking.

Where is Dino S'mores made? Dino S'mores is brewed by Off Color Brewing in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. Off Color is known for producing unconventional beer styles that blend American and European brewing traditions.

What foods pair well with Dino S'mores? Dark chocolate brownies mirror and intensify the cocoa nib character. Smoked brisket or barbecue ribs complement the smoky finish. Vanilla bean cheesecake echoes the beer's vanilla and marshmallow notes. Sharp aged cheddar provides a savory counterpoint to the sweetness. Toasted pecan pie amplifies the roasted grain and caramel elements.

What sizes does Dino S'mores come in? Dino S'mores is commonly available in a 4-pack format, which is the standard retail packaging for this release.

Is Dino S'mores worth the price? Dino S'mores positions as a premium craft imperial stout, and its 92 BeerAdvocate score, complex ten-malt grain bill, and real adjuncts like Indonesian vanilla beans and emulsified cocoa nibs justify its place in the upper tier of pastry stouts.

Why Dino S'mores?

What separates Dino S'mores from the crowded pastry stout field is Off Color's deliberate use of Scandinavian brewing techniques to prevent the beer from becoming a sugar bomb. The ten-malt grain bill creates genuine roasted complexity rather than relying solely on adjuncts for flavor, while the Indonesian vanilla beans added directly to the tank deliver a natural creaminess that synthetic extracts cannot replicate. A 92 on BeerAdvocate and a Brewpub Shootout "best beer" win confirm that this stout delivers on its ambitious s'mores concept. For drinkers who want dessert-stout decadence with actual brewing craftsmanship underneath, Dino S'mores earns its reputation.