Welcome to the velvety embrace of February 2024, where we embark on a journey into the heart of darkness with the Dark Beer Box. This curated collection promises to be a celebration of richness, complexity, and the indulgent allure of deep-hued brews. Crafted by visionary breweries, each beer in this selection invites you to savour the nuanced symphony of malts, roasted depths, and unique flavour profiles that define the realm of dark beers. From the decadent Chocolate Orange Stout to the spiced wonders of a Chai Stout, this box is a testament to the diverse expressions found within the dark beer spectrum. Join us in exploring the captivating narratives woven into each can, as we delve into the world of stouts and porters that captivate the senses and ignite the imagination. Prepare for a month of delightful indulgence as we uncork the mysteries and celebrate the artistry of dark beers in all their luscious glory. Cheers to the Dark Beer Box for February 2024 – a month of decadence and exploration for all the dark beer enthusiasts out there!
Blue Monkey's Chocolate Orange Guerrilla, a Chocolate Orange Stout at 4.9%, presents a rich, malty complexity. This stout, as dark as midnight, smoothly unfolds with a subtle interplay of chocolate and orange notes. The fusion of these flavours creates a harmonious experience, with the dark malt backbone providing a canvas for the indulgent chocolate, while the orange adds a zesty twist. The beer's suitability for both vegetarians and vegans broadens its appeal, making it a decadent treat for stout enthusiasts across the spectrum.
Pairing this stout with a dark chocolate orange mousse enhances the beer's chocolate and citrus elements. The creamy texture of the mousse complements the smoothness of the stout, creating a dessert experience that mirrors the beer's delightful complexity.
Dark Revolution's Mummy Issues, a Chai Stout at 6.0%, introduces an intriguing blend of orange, vanilla, and roast. This chai-spiced stout weaves a tapestry of flavours with a malt bill that includes Maris Otter, Naked Oats, Oats, DRC, Choc Wheat, Crystal, Choc, and Carafa III. The addition of Chai Spiced Black Tea during the cold side process enhances the beer's aromatic complexity. The result is a stout that unfolds with layers of orange zest, vanilla sweetness, and a roasty depth.
For a culinary adventure, pair Mummy Issues with a spiced chocolate-orange cake. The beer's chai-spiced character complements the cake's spices, while the orange and vanilla notes resonate with the chocolatey richness. This pairing transforms a simple dessert into a symphony of flavours.
Duration's Ebb & Flow, an American Stout at 4.8%, defies convention with its hoppy and resinous character. This festival stout deviates from the expected waffles, lactose, and marshmallow, opting for a lighter malt roast that prioritizes drinkability. Pine and fruit notes from the hops and yeast create an ebb and flow of flavours, resulting in a nuanced and well-balanced American stout.
Pairing Ebb & Flow with a black bean and chorizo stew enhances the beer's hoppy and roasty elements. The stew's savoury richness complements the beer's malt backbone, while the hoppy bitterness cuts through the dish's heartiness. This pairing is a celebration of contrasts that elevate both the beer and the meal.
Mad Squirrel's Busted Biscuits, a Biscoff Stout at 6.0%, invites indulgence with its rich, velvety texture and flavours of freshly baked biscuits. This stout strikes a delightful balance of roasted malt sweetness, caramel, and spice, creating a decadent experience with every sip. The integration of Biscoff biscuits into the brewing process adds a layer of complexity to this sweet sensation.
Pairing Busted Biscuits with a warm Biscoff bread pudding enhances the beer's biscuity and caramel notes. The beer's velvety texture complements the pudding's softness, while the caramel sweetness resonates with the dessert's flavours. This pairing transforms a classic bread pudding into a sumptuous treat for the senses.
New Bristol's Salted Cinder Toffee Stout at 4.8% is described as liquidized Crunchie Bars in a stout. The carefully selected grain bill includes Maris Otter, Crystal, Rolled Oats, Wheat, Roasted Barley, and Chocolate Malts. The addition of blow-torched honeycomb creates a beautifully smooth, jet-black stout with a sessionable strength that promises to bring a smile to your face.
Pairing Salted Cinder Toffee Stout with salted caramel brownies accentuates the beer's toffee and chocolate notes. The salted caramel in the brownies complements the beer's sweetness, while the stout's dark roasted malt backbone harmonizes with the rich chocolate. This pairing is a celebration of sweet indulgence that delights the taste buds.
Round Corner's Underwater Song, an 8.2% Baltic Porter, is a love letter to malty goodness. Fermented with lager yeast and cold-lagered for smoothness, this beer is a profusion of aromatic coffee, molasses, raisin, and caramel flavours from twelve different malts. The addition of Challenger and East Kent Goldings hops brings balance and bitterness to this stunningly complex yet drinkable Baltic Porter.
Pairing Underwater Song with a slow-cooked beef stew enhances the beer's malt complexity. The hearty stew's rich flavours complement the beer's coffee and caramel notes, while the robust Baltic Porter stands up to the dish's boldness. This pairing transforms a comforting stew into a culinary journey of depth and character.
Unbarred's Long Black, a Coffee Porter at 5.0%, returns as a heritage beer with a meticulous selection of coffee. The Elox coffee, sourced from the Sierra Mazateca region in Mexico, contributes creamy macadamia body, crisp green apple acidity, and delightful notes of berries and cacao nibs. The beer delivers intense aromas of freshly brewed coffee, malt sweetness, and dark berries, creating a robust porter with a balanced and vibrant profile.
Pairing Long Black with a chocolate-covered raspberry tart accentuates the beer's coffee and fruity elements. The tart's sweet raspberry filling resonates with the beer's berry notes, while the chocolate complements the malt sweetness. This pairing is a celebration of the beer's nuanced flavour profile and a delightful treat for dessert enthusiasts.
Tartarus' Coffee Puca, a Coffee Oatmeal Stout at 4.5%, is a super sessionable stout with a smooth, thick mouthfeel. Conditioned over coffee beans, this stout presents a harmonious balance between the roasted malt backbone and the rich coffee notes. The large amounts of oats contribute to a lusciously smooth texture, making it an inviting and approachable stout.
Pairing Coffee Puca with a coffee-infused chocolate mousse enhances the beer's coffee and chocolate elements. The mousse's creamy texture complements the beer's smooth mouthfeel, creating a dessert experience that is both indulgent and satisfying. This pairing is a celebration of coffee-infused delights that tantalize the taste buds.00:01