The beer: Cherry Chocolate Double Brown Stout
Brewery: Deep Ellum Brewing Co. in Dallas
Style: Baltic porter/American double; a malty, high alcohol porter, similar to imperial stout, although not as robust.
The pitch: The chocolate and cherry aroma is no surprise, but on the palate many complementary flavors unfold: roasted coffee, vanilla, cocoa nibs, chocolate malt – and of course, chocolate-covered cherries. The barrel-aged beer has only a light sweetness and a high alcohol content (10.3 percent) that you don't notice until a boozy bourbon note kicks in with the finish. With low carbonation, a silky smooth texture and medium body, it's a big beer that's easy to drink.
Fun fact: The brewery says that this limited release beer was aged for nearly a year in bourbon barrels and fermented again with a second round of cherries.
Serve it/pair it: Delicious on its own, but could pair well with dark chocolate candy and chocolate desserts, including s'mores made with dark chocolate.
Get some: Widely available at liquor stores, stores with large beer departments and Dallas-area Central Market and Whole Foods Market stores. A 22-ounce bottle sells for about $14.99.
Tina Danze is a freelance writer. Follow her on Twitter @TinaDanze.
