Beers are unique because brewers can add almost anything to them — from fruit and chocolate to spices and hot peppers — to create incredible flavors and experiences.

I personally prefer subtle and straightforward beers, so I tend to stay away from the flavored brews. But when it comes to an after-dinner treat, sometimes nothing shines brighter.

Dark grains used to brew full-bodied porters and stouts create rich flavors of chocolate, coffee, toffee and molasses along with hints of smoke and dark-toasted bread. These flavors make the ideal base for dessertlike additions, creating the perfect finishing touch to a meal.

During these cold evenings, break out a bottle of these dessert beers:

» Belching Beaver Peanut Butter Milk Stout (22 ounces, $8.99) is a crazy-sounding beer from a crazy-sounding brewery, but it is a perfect dessert beer.

Yes, this beer is actually brewed with peanut butter, which makes it taste basically like a liquid version of a peanut-butter cup candy.

Milk stouts are brewed with the addition of lactose, a sugar found in milk that creates a subtle sweetness and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel. At only 5.3 percent alcohol by volume, or ABV, this dark stout looks thicker and stronger than it really is.

The combination of dark chocolate, sweet cream and peanut butter makes this the perfect pairing for ice cream. You could make a float, but I suggest serving this like an affogato, using this beer in place of espresso: Place one large scoop of your favorite ice cream in a deep bowl and gently pour a half-cup of beer directly over the top.

Vanilla works great, but chocolate, coffee, salted caramel and even peanut butter flavors reach a whole new level when enjoyed with this stout. Find it at Foodland stores.

» If you aren’t one with a sweet tooth but would welcome a great after-dinner sipper, try Humboldt Brewing Co.’s Black Xantus Imperial Java Stout (22 ounces, $14.99).