In 600 A.D., the Mayans established the first cocoa plantations known to man. The cocoa bean was a valuable commodity for the Native Americans and was used both as a form of payment and as an accounting tool. Mayans took the cocoa beans and made a drink they called xocoatl, which they believed gave them wisdom and power. From its earliest recorded consumption to Milton Hershey’s factory in Pennsylvania, few flavors have stood the test of time like chocolate.
Like chocolate, beer also has a decorated and celebrated history. Believe it or not, a 7,000-year-old beer recipe from ancient Egypt, inscribed on a papyrus scroll, is the oldest recorded recipe known to man. While beer has been around for thousands of years, it is safe to say that today’s beer is not the same beer the ancient Egyptians were brewing back then. Today, there is no limit as to what a brewer will combine with their beer to gain an edge over the competition. Here, Banko Beverage Co, the Greater Lehigh Valley’s beer experts, reviews one of today’s hottest beer trends – chocolate beer.
An Intro to Chocolate Beer
Over the years, American brewers have experimented with many different methods to make chocolate-flavored beers. While many methods create chocolate-flavored beers without including chocolate as an ingredient, chocolate beers use the actual ingredient which results in a warm, robust flavor.
Craft beer makers have long been known for pushing the boundaries of flavor, and chocolate provides them the perfect opportunity to showcase the complexity of their craft. The uniqueness of chocolate beer is appreciated both by the serious connoisseur as well as the casual beer sampler. Pair a chocolatey beer with your favorite dessert, or simply enjoy it on its own.
Types of Chocolate Beer
Chocolate beer can be any type of ale or lager that has chocolate or cocoa added to the brew. Chocolate is traditionally added to heavier beers such as brown ales, porters, and stouts, where the grain structure of the beer better incorporates the ingredient. Although heavier beers are most convenient when incorporating chocolate, the ingredient can be added to all types of beer, including pale ales.
Depending on the brewer, the characteristics of your chocolate beer can vary greatly. Some will taste like a chocolate milkshake, while others will be dark and heavy with slight undertones of chocolate. The key for any craft brewer is to strike a balance between the original base beer and the flavor being incorporated. While the chocolate character of beer can range from subtle to overpowering, there is usually a balance between beer and chocolatey taste.
The concept of chocolate beer might seem odd, but if you love beer or chocolate, you owe it to yourself to give it a try. Consider one of these options from our trusted suppliers:
- Yuengling Hershey’s Chocolate Porter
- SweetWater Chocolope Stout
- Guinness Over the Moon Milk Stout
Ready to Give Chocolate Beer a Try?
Chocolate beers provide brewers the opportunity to show how complex their craft can be and give serious beer connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike a fun, unique beverage experience. Whether you are looking for chocolate beers to make your next event a hit or simply interested in trying your first chocolate brew, Banko Beverage Co has everything you need.
As the Greater Lehigh Valley’s premier beverage distributor, we take great pride in providing our expertise on all things beer-related to our customers and community. If you are interested in learning more about chocolate beer or how a partnership with Banko Beverage Co can help grow your business, please contact us today.