This year, treat Dad (or the Dad-figure in your life) to the ultimate indulgence: dark chocolate and beer! After extensive research (i.e. hours of chocolate and beer tasting), our friends at Allagash Brewing Company have determined three Lindt EXCELLENCEdark chocolate bars that pair perfectly with their Saison Belgian Ale as well as four dark chocolate bars that pair with their Curieux Bourbon Barrel Aged Ale! Talk about a winning combination for beer and chocolate-loving dads out there.
LINDT EXCELLENCE AND ALLAGASH SAISON
Notes of lemon, lime zest, tropical fruits, and a peppery spice are present in the aroma and flavor of this dry Saison. The spicy kick of this dark chocolate with red chili creates the perfect contrast to this classic Belgian farmhouse style.
Lindt EXCELLENCE A Touch of Sea Salt
The touch of sea salt in this dark chocolate worked to accentuate the tropical fruit aromas and herbal notes that can be found in a traditional Saison style beer.
The fruity esters produced during Saison’s fermentation process blend with the tart, tangy taste of the lemon in this dark chocolate. The grassiness of Saison’s hop profile was intensified by the acidity of the lemon and sweetness of the chocolate. Yum. (Note from the Brewers at Allagash: “This was probably our favorite.”)
Image by Allagash Brewing Company
LINDT EXCELLENCE AND ALLAGASH CURIEUX
It’s hard to go wrong with this combo. Smooth dark chocolate with a bourbon barrel-aged beer. The level of carbonation in Curieux helps to create a silky mouthfeel when experiencing them both together.
Lindt EXCELLENCE Caramel with a Touch of Sea Salt
Lindt EXCELLENCE Caramel with a Touch of Sea Salt is a perfect fit for barrel aged beers. Each bite seems to bring out more notes of oak, vanilla, bourbon and fruit from the Belgian-style yeast used in this beer.
This pairs wonderfully with Curieux as it brings out all the soft coconut and vanilla notes from the bourbon barrels this beer aged in. Subtle hints of oak blend nicely with the sweetness of the coconut chocolate.
Lindt EXCELLENCE Intense Orange
Lindt EXCELLENCE Intense Orange pairs well with Curieux because the intense orange compliments many of the tropical fruit aromas found in Tripel which is the base beer for Curieux. After several tastes, the flavors of coconut and vanilla in Curieux work together with bursts of orange to create an interesting pair.
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