Ah, Valentine’s Day. The day when couples everywhere get to shove their successful relationships right in the faces of all the woefully single people in the world. Not to worry though, folks. If you find yourself alone this year, there are alternatives to awkward dates and bad candy hearts. As the great Charles M. Schulz once said: “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Wonderful idea, Mr. Schulz, but let’s take it up a notch this February and try some of these delicious chocolatey beer concoctions.
MadTree, Oakley – “Rubus Cacao” – Sweet chocolate and ripe raspberry are all over this decadent beer. A seasonal treat that can be found in six pack cans all over the city, perfect for some sensual enjoyment at home.
Taft’s Ale House, OTR – “Maverick Chocolate Porter” – Much like any great relationship, this beer is all about collaboration. This fantastic chocolate beer is brewed with cacao nibs from Maverick Chocolate in OTR.
Urban Artifact, Northside – “Abacus” – With a name like Abacus, you can count more ways you like this beer than Tinder dates you went on last year. Tart raspberry flavor balanced by a subtle chocolatey finish. It is not often a beer this tall, dark, and mysterious offers such a refreshing drink experience.
Bad Tom Smith, Linwood – “Black Kettle Stout” – A beer as black and flavorful as a hand-crafted, artisanal, dark chocolate candy bar. With an intriguing hint of spice to round out the chocolate flavors, this beer will have your mouth tied up and begging for more.
Listermann, Norwood – “O-H!” – Oh-My! Peanut butter. Chocolate. Literally a liquid buckeye. This beer is the perfect post-date dessert, whether you spent the evening with an actual human or your always faithful fur-beast.
This post was originally written by Bret Kollmann Baker for The Northsider in 2017.
