Beer and Chocolate Pairings
June 8, 2015
Beer and Chocolate Pairings? What - you may ask? Yes, I am telling you that beer and chocolate can make a great pairing duo. This is not a conclusion I came easily to, but after a few samples and hits of the flavor wheel, I was convinced. Craft beer and chocolate can make great companions!
Early on in my business career, 2005 to be exact, a representative from Unibroue, a brewery located in Chambly, Quebec, Canada approached me to do a pairing at a local Food and Wine Festival. Initially, I was skeptical. I had never heard of pairing beer with chocolate. Wine? Yes, but beer? Really?
What a delicious surprise it was! We closed the shop early and started sampling some beer, and then thinking about the flavor notes we were tasting, and then complementing or contrasting those flavor notes with our chocolates (hand dipped dark chocolate truffles in about 16 various flavors). This new discovery was not only great fun, but a breakthrough in discovering new ways to pair chocolate.
We had a captive audience that was initially just as skeptical as myself, but after the first pair that surprised and charmed us, it was love. Our event received raving reviews, and soon I found myself partnering with other local breweries to share the joys of beer and chocolate.
Since that first trial, I have given countless demos and pairings along with craft brewers. Each time, we win over new fans with our different pairing discoveries.
One of my favorite events is an annual tasting at our shop with some of our most loyal customers. We met in 2006 at a pairing event in Chicago at the Hopleaf. Since then, these folks have been coming to visit us each spring with their friends and family for a private event. We research new-release beers locally and then pair them with some of my new flavors of chocolate.
It really is a tough job, but hey, someone has to figure this out, right? 🙂 This year we celebrated our 9th pairing event, a success, and really fun time. If you are new to pairing beer and chocolate, I have a few tips below to share, but more than anything, just have fun and try some new things. There is no right or wrong, just enjoy yourself!
Gail’s Advice on Pairing Beer and Chocolate
The best part of pairing chocolate and beer, is the journey of experimenting and trying many different flavors. Some are a beautiful balance of flavors. Some are a tug and pull of contrast that puts the pepper in the pot or brings the spice to life. When you do find a pairing that speaks to you, it can be a pure magical experience of ethereal flavors.
Here are some ideas to get started:
- Caramel usually goes well with malty or caramelized beers, such as a Spring Doppelbock, or try contrasting with a hoppy beer.
- Pair something fruity or spicy with Belgian-style ales—it can bring out the ale’s fruit notes.
- Stouts and porters can stand up to high cocoa-percentage chocolate. They also pair well with bold coffee flavors or something with a bit of heat, such as our Cinnamon/Cayenne truffle.
- Some of the bourbon-barrel stouts are great with big fruit flavors such as blueberry, cherry and raspberry. The tartness can balance some of the stout’s strong bourbon and vanilla flavors.
- The perception of bitterness in hoppy beers can be mellowed by pairing them with caramel flavors or enhanced by tart fruits such as cranberry.
- American pale ales (APA) are more enjoyable when paired with strong flavors, such as our Lemongrass with Ginger truffle. The interplay adds a layer of depth.
- Indian pale ales (IPA) are a summer favorite. The hops lend a citrusy flavor. Enjoy them with citrus-tinged chocolate flavors or a touch of herbal such as lavender or bergamot.
- Beer and Chocolate Pairings - June 8, 2015