Chilies and chocolate date back earlier than most food pairings. In fact, the Mayans — a.k.a. the inventors of chocolate beverages — blended crushed chili powder into their cocoa mixtures as early as 500 BC!

It’s neat that folks have enjoyed this flavor combo for so many centuries, though I’m happy to live right now. Because the dark beer lords at Lake Effect Brewing just released a tiny batch of their Bourbon Barrel Aged Imperial Stout – Chocolate & Chilies! 

This Chicago brew crew doesn’t often repeat their recipes, but they brought this one back due to the sheer popularity of last year’s rendition. 

I believe it. The peppery heat merges beautifully with the chocolatey sweetness in this beer. I could sip it all evening, with the warming 13% ABV wrapping around me like a toasty blanket. 

As you might guess, the brewers used real doses of chocolate and chili peppers to craft this boozy behemoth. They smoothed it out with lactose, creating a creamy, hot chocolate-like body. Then, they aged the brew in bourbon barrels for 8 months to really let the sweet ‘n heat meld, punctuating it with molasses and vanilla notes from the oak.  

I don’t know what’s next for humans’ love affair with chilies and chocolate. But honestly, I’m very satisfied with today’s innovation. 

Lake Effect has a pile of awards from the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beers, and is one of USA Today’s 29 must-visit breweries in Chicago!

Holiday shopping is easy with Tavour! Just head over to Tavour.com/gifts to send a gift box or gift card to the craft beer lover in your life. Cheers to holiday beers!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Lake Effect Brewing Company is certified independent by the Brewers Association