Earlier this month, my much loved Corner Brewery held its release party for Espresso Love. I looked forward to that release for weeks because this is one of my favorite offerings from the Corner—a smooth, oatmeal stout brewed with coffee. As a matter of fact, coffee is my favorite drink next to beer so it’s almost like I could just drink this beer all day and be really happy! (I’m just kidding! I have a job to go to and other stuff to do so I can’t.)

This beer is perfect for this time of year. By February, I’m ready for some heavier, fuller bodied beer. And despite not being a huge fan of chocolate (except dark chocolate), this is the one time of year I will eat it. Espresso Love is a rich beer with espresso flavor and just a touch of chocolate flavor.

The coffee they use is from the Ugly Mug, and I think that makes it much better than it would be if it were made with just some random crap off the street. It is full bodied and creamy with no hop bitterness (IBUs—international bittering units—are usually around 30 or so). The alcohol by volume hovers around 7 percent, so drink it carefully and savor each swallow.

To me, this beer embodies Valentine’s Day — smooth, chocolately, warm. Share some with your sweetie and enjoy!

Patti Smith is a teacher who enjoys drinking and brewing beer. She hopes to make Monday's Mug a regular Monday feature. Meantime, you can read her blog at http://palateofpatti.wordpress.com, friend her on Facebook or see her 'round the blogosphere as TeacherPatti.