HOW TO PAIR BEER WITH EVERYTHING: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout by Brooklyn Brewery
Beer: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout
Brewer: Brooklyn Brewery
Style: Russian Imperial Stout
ABV: 10.00%
Description: Brooklyn’s Black Chocolate Stout pours thick and is oil-colored black with a rocky brown head that quickly disappears but leaves behind a wispy ring. The aroma is overpowered by bitter dark chocolate with background notes of fresh roasted coffee and slight hints of rich red fruit. The taste is surprisingly bitter up front, accentuated by the roasted malt, but bitter from the chocolate, not hop bitterness, although the hops are certainly present. The bitterness does not last long and is quickly followed up by intense chocolate and coffee. Soon, rich red fruit and black licorice flavoring join the party before the beer heads to a very dry, almost wine-like finish. The 10 percent ABV is extremely well-hidden, which means be careful with this one! The full body and mild carbonation create a very smooth and surprisingly easy drinking stout that is absolutely perfect for the winter months. Allow this one to warm up a bit, though, to fully appreciate all the flavors and aromas locked within.
Ideal setting: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is a beer that oozes a touch of class and is perfect for social situations as a substitute for fine wines. It is not a beer that should be guzzled quickly, but instead should be savored and allowed to warm up to unlock its true potential. Any environment which allows the beer to be enjoyed slowly and fully is perfect with this beer.
Ideal music: Again, the touch of class from this beer makes it an ideal pairing for a wide assortment of jazz albums. The complex rhythms and syncopations will match perfectly with the rich complexities within the beer.
Some great albums to enjoy with Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout are:
- Art Blakey & The Jazz Messengers – “Moanin’“
- Blue Mitchell – “Blue Soul“
- Herbie Mann and Phil Woods – “Beyond Brooklyn“
- Dexter Gordon – “Our Man in Paris“
- Wayne Shorter – “Speak No Evil“
- Cannonball Adderley – “Somethin’ Else“
Ideal movie: A beer that develops with age requires a film that also grows more intriguing with age, but nothing too serious with Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout. After all, it is a delicious beer that requires a fair amount of attention be paid to it, and classic comedies are always in fashion!
Some great films to watch while enjoying Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout are:
Ideal book: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout will send your taste buds dancing, and the high ABV may send your mind off dancing too if enjoyed too quickly. A book that is light reading and about traveling, especially when related to beer travels, is especially enjoyable with this beer.
Some great books to read with Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout are:
- “The Northeast Brewery Tour” by Ben Keene
- “The Great American Ale Trail” by Christian DeBenedetti
- “Craft Beers of the Pacific Northwest” by Lisa M. Morrison
- “Brewed Awakening” by Joshua M. Bernstein
The perfect experience: Brooklyn Black Chocolate Stout is a beer that is best enjoyed in any environment that permits the drinker to fully appreciate all the subtleties of the beer. This can be at home, out with friends, or at any number of social engagements. The important thing to remember is that this is a beer with a lot of complexities and a moderately high ABV, so take your time and enjoy every last drop no matter where you decide to go.
