Welcome to the March 2024 Dark Beer Box, curated exclusively for Beer Dad's Craft Beer Club members. This month, we delve into the rich and indulgent world of dark beers, featuring eight cans of carefully selected brews that promise to delight the senses and ignite the palate. From velvety stouts to robust porters, each beer in this collection offers a unique flavour journey, showcasing the craftsmanship and innovation of breweries around the UK. Join us as we explore the depths of chocolate, coffee, and roasted malt flavours, accompanied by intriguing twists and surprising pairings. Get ready to indulge in a sensory experience like no other, as we raise a glass to the dark side of beer. Cheers to discovery, exploration, and unforgettable taste adventures!
The New Bristol Bayleys Mocha Choca Flaked Truffle Stout embodies indulgence with its unique blend of aged Irish cream liqueur and roasted dark coffee beans, topped with milk chocolate flakes. As it pours, the aromas of rich coffee and decadent chocolate greet you, tempting the senses. The first sip reveals a distinctive and luxurious taste, with notes of velvety Irish cream merging seamlessly with the boldness of dark coffee. The addition of cacao adds depth and complexity, creating a truly decadent experience. Despite its richness, this stout maintains a smooth and satisfying finish, leaving you craving another sip.
Interesting Fact: The use of aged Irish cream liqueur in brewing adds a unique twist to traditional stout, infusing it with creamy richness and enhancing its complexity.
Pair this indulgent stout with desserts like chocolate lava cake or tiramisu to complement its rich flavours. The creamy texture and coffee notes also make it an excellent match for creamy cheeses like brie or gouda. For a truly decadent experience, try pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a beer float that will delight your taste buds.
Gravity Well's Brownian Motion Porter is a delightful departure into the realm of dark beers, showcasing a simple yet satisfying blend of brown malt, with hints of black and crystal malts for added depth. Upon pouring, the aroma fills the air with inviting notes of roasted coffee and caramelized malt, hinting at the flavour journey to come. The first sip reveals a harmonious balance of roasted malt flavours, with the brown malt taking centre stage, imparting a rich and slightly nutty character. Supporting notes of dark chocolate and toffee add complexity, while a subtle bitterness lingers in the background, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish.
Interesting Fact: Brown malt, a key ingredient in this porter, is kilned at a higher temperature than pale malt, resulting in its characteristic nutty and toasty flavours, making it a foundational element in many traditional porter recipes.
Pair this robust porter with hearty dishes like barbecue ribs or beef stew to complement its bold flavours. The roasted malt profile also pairs well with grilled meats, enhancing the smoky notes in both the beer and the food. For a sweet contrast, try pairing it with a slice of rich chocolate cake or chocolate-covered nuts to highlight the porter's chocolate undertones.
New Bristol Brewery presents the Dark Chocolate Cinder Toffee Stout, a delectable rendition of their award-winning Cinder Toffee Stout infused with dark chocolate for an extra indulgent twist. As it pours, the enticing aroma of chocolate and caramelized toffee fills the air, inviting you in for a sensory experience. The first sip delivers a burst of chocolatey goodness, with the smoothness of dark chocolate enveloping the palate. Subtle notes of cinder toffee add a delightful crunchiness, enhancing the beer's overall decadence. Despite its richness, this stout maintains a velvety smoothness, making it a truly luxurious treat.
Interesting Fact: Cinder toffee, also known as honeycomb toffee or sponge toffee, is a confectionery made by heating sugar syrup until it becomes golden and then adding baking soda to create a frothy texture. Its addition to this stout lends a unique crunchy element to the beer's flavour profile.
Pair this indulgent stout with desserts like chocolate brownies or salted caramel cheesecake to complement its rich chocolate and toffee flavours. The beer's smooth texture also makes it a great match for creamy desserts like panna cotta or chocolate mousse. For a playful twist, try pairing it with a bowl of popcorn drizzled with dark chocolate for a sweet and salty snack that perfectly complements the stout's decadent profile.
Brass Castle's Trinitario Chocolate Stout is a testament to the collaboration between Yorkshire ingenuity and the Trinidad & Tobago Fine Cocoa Company, resulting in a beer that showcases the finest cocoa in the world. Pouring a deep, inviting hue, this stout releases intoxicating aromas of rich chocolate and hints of floral sweetness. The first sip reveals layers of complexity, with the Trinitario chocolate imparting floral and fruity characteristics that dance on the palate. Notes of dark fruit and subtle bitterness from the cocoa linger, leading to a smooth and satisfying finish.
Interesting Fact: Trinitario cocoa, a hybrid of the Criollo and Forastero cocoa trees, originated in Trinidad in the late 17th century. Known for its complex flavour profile, Trinitario cocoa is highly prized by chocolatiers for its floral and fruity notes.
Pair this chocolate stout with desserts like flourless chocolate cake or raspberry tart to complement its rich cocoa flavours. The beer's fruity undertones also make it a great match for berry desserts like black forest gateau or mixed berry crumble. For a savoury pairing, try serving it alongside a cheese platter featuring aged cheddar or blue cheese, as the beer's chocolate notes provide a delightful contrast to the tangy richness of the cheese.
Brew York's Peanut Butter Tonkoko is a delightful twist on their iconic Tonkoko milk stout, infused with the distinct flavour of peanut butter. Pouring a deep, velvety black, this stout releases inviting aromas of roasted peanuts and creamy vanilla. The first sip envelops the palate with a rich malt base, accentuated by the smooth sweetness of lactose and coconut. Subtle hints of cacao and vanilla dance in the background, while the unmistakable flavour of roasted peanuts takes centre stage, delivering a nutty richness that lingers on the finish.
Interesting Fact: Tonka beans, one of the key ingredients in Tonkoko, are native to Central and South America and are known for their complex flavour profile, reminiscent of vanilla, almond, and cinnamon. They add a unique depth of flavour to the beer, complementing the richness of the peanut butter and coconut.
Pair this indulgent stout with desserts like peanut butter chocolate brownies or coconut macaroons to complement its rich, nutty flavours. The beer's creamy texture also makes it a great match for creamy desserts like vanilla custard or caramel flan. For a savoury pairing, try serving it alongside spicy dishes like Thai peanut chicken or spicy peanut noodles to balance the sweetness of the beer with a hint of heat.
Pretty Decent's I Only Cartwheel For The Money Alt Beer pays homage to the traditional Dusseldorf Altbier style, brewed with a blend of Hallertau hops for a balanced and flavourful profile. Pouring a clear amber hue, this altbier releases inviting aromas of toasted malt and earthy hops. The first sip reveals a well-rounded flavour profile, with notes of caramelized malt and subtle herbal bitterness from the hops. The beer's medium body and moderate carbonation contribute to its refreshing and sessionable nature, making it perfect for leisurely enjoyment.
Interesting Fact: Alt beers originated in the city of Dusseldorf, Germany, where they have been brewed for centuries using traditional methods. The name "alt" means "old" in German, referring to the beer's historical roots and traditional brewing techniques.
Pair this altbier with classic German dishes like bratwurst or schnitzel to complement its malt-forward flavours. The beer's balanced bitterness also makes it a great match for savoury dishes like roast chicken or grilled vegetables. For a lighter pairing, try serving it alongside a mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to refresh the palate between bites.
Three Hills Co-ordinates: Baltic Porter presents a modern interpretation of the traditional Baltic Porter style, showcasing smooth roasty flavours with a touch of herbal and floral notes from Hallertau Hersbrucker and Perle hops. Pouring a deep mahogany hue, this porter releases enticing aromas of dark chocolate, roasted coffee, and a hint of fragrant florals. The first sip reveals layers of complexity, with rich roasted malt flavours dominating the palate. Subtle hints of black tea and floral notes from the hops add a delicate contrast, balancing the beer's robust profile. Despite its strength, this porter maintains a surprising lightness, making it a highly drinkable and enjoyable brew.
Interesting Fact: Baltic Porter originated in the Baltic region in the 18th century, where it was brewed to withstand long journeys and harsh climates. Unlike traditional English porters, Baltic porters are lagered, resulting in a smoother and cleaner finish.
Pair this Baltic porter with hearty dishes like beef stew or smoked ribs to complement its bold flavours. The beer's roasty profile also pairs well with rich desserts like chocolate cake or tiramisu, enhancing the sweetness of the dish. For a unique pairing experience, try serving it alongside a charcuterie board featuring aged cheeses and cured meats to contrast the beer's richness with savoury and salty flavours.
Staggeringly Good's Megalodawn Breakfast Stout is a prehistoric beast packed with a stunning blend of Brazilian and Costa Rican coffee, complemented by a touch of Madagascan vanilla and milk sugar. Pouring a deep, opaque black, this stout releases enticing aromas of freshly brewed coffee, dark chocolate, and sweet vanilla. The first sip reveals waves of rich chocolate and nutty flavours, with the coffee adding layers of complexity and a subtle bitterness. The addition of vanilla and milk sugar lends a creamy sweetness, balancing the beer's robust profile and providing a smooth and satisfying finish.
Interesting Fact: Brazilian coffee is renowned for its smooth, nutty flavours and moderate acidity, while Costa Rican coffee is prized for its bright acidity and citrusy notes. The combination of these two coffee varieties adds depth and complexity to the beer, enhancing its overall flavour profile.
Pair this breakfast stout with brunch dishes like pancakes or French toast to complement its coffee and chocolate flavours. The beer's creamy texture also makes it a great match for desserts like chocolate chip cookies or banana bread, accentuating the sweetness of the dish. For a savoury pairing, try serving it alongside breakfast sandwiches or bacon-wrapped dates to contrast the beer's richness with salty and savoury elements.