Beverage Dynamics is the largest national business magazine devoted exclusively to the needs of off-premise beverage alcohol retailers, from single liquor stores to big box chains, through coverage of the latest trends in wine, beer and spirits.
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Brewed with America's Favorite Flavor By Lucy Saunders I t's been 20 years since the late, great Whitbread Brewery in Great Britain introduced its Fuggles Chocolate Ale. The brew, flavored with cocoa extracts, was soon followed by Young's Double Chocolate Stout. Now, craft brewers splurge on the finest chocolate in brewing: Sprecher Brewery's special limited-release Generation Porter was brewed with Dutch cocoa and raspberries. Boulevard Brewery last year collaborated with premium chocolatier Christopher Elbow on a seasonal Chocolate Ale. More brewers are experimenting with all forms of chocolate, from dark-roasted cocoa nibs, to cocoa powder as well as confectionary dark chocolate and natural chocolate extracts. Also, new varieties of dark-roasted barley malts provide more chocolate flavors without extra bitterness, says Penny Pickart of Briess Malts in Chilton, WI. Here's a brief selection of some of the latest chocolate-infused beers. Sam Adams Chocolate Bock, Boston Beer Co. Smooth, rich, and dark, finished with the robust flavor of cocoa nibs including Ecuador cocoa nibs from TCHO, an artisanal chocolate maker in San Francisco. The beer begins with more than six malts brewed with Bavarian noble hops. The bock lager is aged on a bed of dark cocoa nibs. The nibs create complex aromas and flavors from chocolaty to fruity, nutty, earthy, and citrusy. Smooth and not too sweet; at 5.8% ABV. Chocolate Indulgence, Brewery Ommegang Available in gift packages later this year, the original Chocolate Indulgence was brewed in 2007 for the 10th anniversary of Brewery Ommegang. Chocolate Indulgence ale is brewed with Perle hops, complementing the dark malt flavors, and rich Belgian dark chocolate brings up the cocoa and dark dried fruity flavors of raisin and plum from the special Belgian yeast strain. At 7% ABV, a drinkable chocolate stout, best presented in a snifter to concentrate aromatics. Serpent's Stout, The Lost Abbey Brewing Co. A black stout with a caramel colored foam, with very small, fine carbonation, the Serpents Stout is full-bodied, full-on chocolate flavors. Thanks to barrel aging on cacao nibs, it has a rich nose of chocolate and vanilla, as well as hints of mocha from roasted malts. It finishes with a lingering cocoa bite. At a robust 10.5% ABV, this cocoa-enriched stout will warm the winter nights, and match with roasted meats or chocolate toffee desserts. Rogue Chocolate Stout, Rogue Ales A gold medal winner at the 2011 Mondial de la Biere competition in Strasbourg, France, the Rogue Chocolate Stout gets its creamy mouthfeel from the addition of roasted oats, as well as six different varieties of barley malts, plus real chocolate. Not overly sweet, it also features Cascade and Perle hops for the gentle sensory re-creation of the mix of chocolate and citrus on the palate, excellent with cheddar. Available in 22-oz. bottles. Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery Real Madagascar vanilla is used to make this chocolaty Vanilla Porter. An ale that has all the chocolate and roasted nut flavor of a classic porter, with a splash of real vanilla to heighten the chocolate taste. The chocolate aromatics become more pronounced as it opens to warmer temperatures. And at a lighter 4.7% ABV, the porter makes an excellent pairing with grilled lobster or roasted mole-spiced pork loin. Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout, Brooklyn Brewery The winter seasonal from Brooklyn Brewery won a gold medal at the World Beer Championships in 2011, based on its depth of flavor achieved through three mashes in brewing the strong ale. Despite the name, there's no form of cacao in the beer, but the slight tang from malted wheat echoes the bittersweet edge of natural chocolate. Crisp, mocha-colored foam, moderate carbonation, and a deep black color make this beer best presented in a tulip glass. Aromas meld espresso, chocolate and the peppery notes of alcohol at 10% ABV. Available in 12-oz. bottles and draft. I 14 • Beverage Dynamics • www.beveragedynamics.com • January/February 2013