Pizza Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper Imperial Stout
Pizza Port Brewing Santa's Little Helper Imperial Stout is the Carlsbad brewery's beloved holiday seasonal — a classic Imperial Stout brewed with chocolate malt, roasted barley and honey malt at a warming 10% ABV. Sold as a 6-pack of 16 oz cans, it is one of the most anticipated craft beer releases in San Diego every winter.
- Style: Imperial Stout
- ABV: 10% (20 proof)
- Size: 6-pack of 16 oz cans (6p - 16oz)
- Brewery: Pizza Port Brewing Co., Carlsbad, California
- Hops: Centennial and Cascade
A San Diego Holiday Tradition
Pizza Port has been brewing in San Diego County since the early 1990s, growing from the Solana Beach brewpub into one of California's most decorated breweries. Santa's Little Helper returns each November in cans and on draft at the pubs, and it never lasts long — a rich, warming stout built for the holidays. If dark beer season is your season, browse the full stout shelf for more cold-weather pours.
Tasting Notes
Aromas of dark cocoa, roasted coffee and toffee lead off, with a slight taste of vanilla woven through the middle. The finish lends hints of sweet crystal malt, warming tones of alcohol and a touch of hoppy flavor from the Centennial and Cascade hops — just enough bitterness to keep the richness in check. Fans of Pizza Port's Bacon & Eggs Imperial Coffee Porter will feel right at home.
How to Enjoy
Serve in a snifter or tulip at cellar temperature (50–55°F) and give it a few minutes out of the fridge — the cocoa and toffee open up as it warms. A natural partner for leftover fruit cake and sugar cookies, chocolate desserts, and slow evenings by the fire. Lighter Pizza Port days call for the Ponto S.I.P.A. instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How strong is Santa's Little Helper?
It is an Imperial Stout at 10% ABV, sold in 16 oz cans — noticeably warmer and richer than a standard stout.
Is Santa's Little Helper available year-round?
No. It is a seasonal holiday release that arrives in November and sells through quickly, so stock up while it is on the shelf.
How many cans are in a pack?
This listing is a 6-pack of 16 oz cans, brewed and canned by Pizza Port Brewing Co. in Carlsbad, California.
This 6-pack is available to order online at Del Mesa Liquor for pickup or delivery — order ahead and skip the line this holiday season.