We’ve heard of brands collaborating, but beers? We think New Belgium Brewing — the Fort Collins, Colorado-based makers of the beloved Fat Tire Amber Ale — and St. Louis, Missouri-based Perennial Artisan Ales are on to something. The two breweries joined forces and thought, why not combine two of our favorite things — chocolate and beer? They came up with Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout, a beer that is both sweet and salty, perfect for the cold weather and the holiday season.
“We wanted to brew a stout with a twist and the result is a decadent treat,” said Lauren Salazar, New Belgium’s wood cellar and specialty brands manager. “It’s a fun and highly collaborative beer that combines some of our favorite things in a glass. We loved working with Perennial on this one. You can’t help but sip this stout and think, ‘it doesn’t get much better.’”
This rich brew fuses together roasted barley and caramel malts — and the result, a dark pour and a tan head, are nothing short of amazing. Belgian yeast and chocolate suit the typical coffee tone of a stout, in addition, there are hints of tobacco and dried fruit, with just a light sprinkle of salt that, according to the brands “boosts sweetness and enhances a roasty bitterness that every craft stout deserves.”
Now we don’t know about you, but we love it when a tiny amount of salt touches anything sweet — caramel, chocolate — you know what we mean? It enhances the flavor and adds a little extra something special. Pair it with other sweet and salty things, like a chocolate-covered pretzel cheesecake, or espresso-rubbed beef short ribs.
For more information on Salted Belgian Chocolate Stout, visit newbelgium.com.
