Did you know that Beer and Chocolate make a fantastic pair? In contrast to wine and chocolate pairing, these make an unexpected satisfying combination. The carbonation in Beer takes the taste of chocolate to the next level. Despite their differences, Beer and chocolate both go through fermentation for significant flavour development.
A successful pairing happens because beer balances and enhances chocolate’s flavour. The rule of thumb is to keep sweet and tart with Beer and chocolate, which means the Beer should be sweeter or tarter than the chocolate you are pairing it with. Also, you may experiment with contrasting flavours to create complementary pairs.
The best pairing is often a stout with a higher percentage of dark chocolate because of the coffee and chocolate notes in its flavours. In addition, dark chocolates are lower in fat content; hence they pair well with stouts and bitter ales. However, not every bitter ale will work with a bar of bitter chocolate because sharp flavours can overwhelm bitterness.
When it comes to sour Beer, its high acidity does not go well with chocolate, but you may have some luck pairing it with citrus notes if it is not too acidic.
Whatever you pair with Beer is purely subjective. If it tastes good to you, then enjoy!
Health Factor
Research from an international university suggests that Beer and chocolate can help reduce heart diseases. This is due to various factors, one significant element being that consumption of both of these products helps increase HDL (the good kind of cholesterol) and decreases LDL (bad cholesterol). It is no secret that Beer contains a lot of antioxidants. However, red wine has long been touted as having excellent antioxidant properties, while Beer has hardly been due… Both hops and malted barley, two of the primary ingredients in Beer, contain antioxidants. Using higher temperatures to roast the malt creates additional antioxidants; hence, darker beers tend to have more antioxidants than lighter ones.
Beer and chocolate have another thing in common. Beer has a good amount of vitamin content, especially with B vitamins, and it also contains potassium, magnesium, selenium, and biotin. These vitamins and minerals are good for protecting you from various ailments, such as strokes and Anemia. On the other hand, dark chocolate has 60-70 percent cocoa and contains a good amount of minerals, such as iron, manganese, copper, & magnesium.
Like chocolate, moderate beer consumption can trigger the release of endorphins, which are thought to make the user feel good. However, too much of a good thing can cause depression, so be wary.
Tasting tip
When you taste the Beer first and then the chocolate, you may be surprised at the difference in flavour you taste when you alternate the order that you taste them.
Good news!
We have good news for you if you are willing to taste both together. Paul and Mike has teamed up with Simba to present you with a beer lover’s delight in this specially crafted chocolate. Simba’s Stout is a dark and creamy beer with notes of espresso and cacao that we blend with caramel and wrap with Farm to bar chocolate. The blend of stout, dark caramel, and dark chocolate can always be a winner! ”
Have you read our listicle on chocolate beers yet? Click here
