The Pastry Porter is the richer of Surreal's two Dessert Series beers. Where the Milkshake IPA goes sweet and fruity, this one goes dark and warm. Cacao nibs, vanilla bean, lactose, and monk fruit go into the brew alongside a dark grain malt bill and earthy hops. It pours deep brown with ruby highlights and an off-white head. The aroma is led by warm cacao and vanilla, with a faint roasted coffee note underneath. On the palate, dark chocolate and roasted grain come first, then cacao nibs add a dry cocoa bitterness. Vanilla provides gentle sweetness without tipping into confectionery. Earthy hops sit in the background and keep the whole thing grounded. The lactose rounds out the body without making it heavy. The finish is cleaner than you might expect. The sweetness fades and leaves dry roasted grain to carry through. It is a better balance than a lot of dessert-style beers manage. Worth serving slightly above fridge temperature, where the chocolate and vanilla notes become more expressive.