Southern Tier Choklat
With bellies finally recovering from holiday feasts, fingers and toes numb from the chilling weather, and the outlook of a bright 2009 upon us, we are greeted with the perfect opportunity for a decadent escape from Winter's withered grasp.
There's no better way to enjoy time with family, friends, and loved ones than over one of nature's most amazing products: chocolate. Well, okay - I can think of only one way to make it better, with nature's second best gift to humanity: beer. We've seen chocolate beer from various brewers in all shapes and sizes, including Founder's Breakfast Stout - the chocolate coffee treat that I've so lovingly preached about.
Young's Double Chocolate Stout is a classic, Sam Adams has their Chocolate Bock, and Ommegang's Chocolate Indulgence has made quite an impression. The real gem that recently reared its head in my vicinity is Choklat - an Imperial Stout from Southern Tier Brewing.
A deceiving 11% ABV, this is one winter warmer that will keep you toasty - even without the campfire burning. Choklat is one of four seasonals in Southern Tier's Blackwater Imperial Stout series. A fine brew for the cooler weather, the inspiration (interestingly enough) is one of historical relevance, rather than of seasonal importance.
From Southern Tier:
The Popol Vuh, the sacred book of the Maya, unfolds a complex web of mystery around a beverage known as xocoatl (ch-co-atle). At Southern Tier, we’re not surprised that hieroglyphs of the ancient Maya depict chocolate being poured for rulers and gods. Even through the many voyages of Columbus, the mystical bean remained nothing more than a strange currency of the native peoples.
Moving through centuries, the circular journey of cacao has been realized in our brewing house, encompassing the complexity of the darkest, bitter-sweet candy together with the original frothy cold beverage of the ancient Maya to bring to you our Blackwater Series Choklat Stout. We have combined the finest ingredients to tempt your senses & renew the power & interrelation of history in every bottle.
Artisan or Anarchist?
The world of craft beer is a confusing place. Breweries are are experimenting with every type of ingredient they come across - some for the better, and some.... well, not. There are those who prefer to brew by the books, according to BJCP style or textbook definition, as well as those who like to push the envelope a bit.
The Germans have been making beer for hundreds of years under the Reinheitsgebot, a provision that disallows any ingredients outside the norm, and they still produce some exceptional beer. I'm not a proponent of gimmicky marketing, but many times brewers gray the lines between what's gimmicky and what's artisinal. For instance, I don't happen to like a lot of fruit beers, but there are Belgian Quadruppels and Trappist brews that employ the use of sour cherries or bitter orange, and they are outstanding.
Likewise, there are spontaneously fermented fruit lambics that are considered somewhat of a delicacy. Bud Light Lime, on the other hand - not so refined. I have come a long way learning about the differences between beer producers. I'll admit that early on I fell in love with a couple of InBev brews - Hoegaarden and Leffe specifically. I was conflicted and almost heart broken when I found out they were produced by an enormous company; here I am trying to explore great beer and I was lured in by one of the largest breweries in the world. I've since come to accept, however, that they're pretty good beers - and that mass-produced beer doesn't *have* to be bad.
So began the complicated part of my education, with many of my preconceived notions ultimately collapsing in on themselves. Early on in this journey I was apprehensive about chocolate beers, thinking that they were gimmicky - a cheap way of luring in new beer drinkers. I recognized some respectable names in the chocolate beer game, though, like those brewers I listed above. I also saw some of these brewers were seeking out the best chocolate in world to make their beers... how bad could it be?
I was avoiding a style of beer all because of my misconceptions. Call it fate, call it the fat, candy-loving kid that will always live within me, I caved. Thank God I did, because there is something spectacular about Southern Tier's Choklat.
Experience
I first heard about Choklat from Craft Beer Radio. They had mentioned the beer a couple of times in passing, but not the brewer. As I perused the shelves of our local beer store, I came across Chocolat from well known Belgian brewer Fantôme. I thought perhaps that was the beer they were talking about, but I didn't want to spend the $15-$20 on a hunch, so I laid low for a while. I eventually figured out it was a Southern Tier beer I was looking for... but it didn't seem to make a difference, I couldn't find it anywhere.
Then, one fateful night in Caldwell, NJ at a bar called the Cloverleaf Tavern my luck changed. We were enjoying a night out in celebration of our friend's birthday when we asked our waitress for the beer list; Southern Tier's Choklat was right there at the bottom. I think I screeched like a schoolgirl when I saw the beer listed; the fact that I couldn't find it anywhere that made me so excited to finally try this brew. The beer was delivered in a glorious 650mL bomber with an over-sized tulip glass.
As I poured, it looked as thick as motor oil: blacker than black, no highlights, minimal tan head; a viscous empty void. Without even having to lean in for a whiff, there was a strong aroma of chocolate. Resembling a light milk chocolate/cocoa smell, or better yet Tootsie Roll, the aroma was sweet with virtually no malt, alcohol, or hops accent. The smell was comforting, rather bold and quite surprising. The taste was as rich as the smell - pure chocolate.
Not syrupy sweet, but deliciously mellow and warming. A substantial smooth body, slick, almost like an oatmeal without the wicked aftertaste. The lack of alcohol on the tongue was amazing at 11% ABV, incredibly hard to believe it packed as much punch. It went down smooth and easy, although I wouldn't necessarily have more than one. One is perfect.
I shared the beer with my cohort, including our friend's mother who was with us early in the night. Before she took a sip she gave us the classic, "I really don't like beer." After sipping, she was amazed- she couldn't believe it was beer. The winter of Choklat has thus far turned out rather bountiful. Cloverleaf kept the beer stocked for a little while, and more recently featured it on tap (even better, by the way). I also took the trip down to South Plainfield and was able to find Choklat at the famed Oak Tree Buy Rite, NJ's best craft beer store.
Final Thoughts
Southern Tier hit it out of the park with this Choklat Imperial Stout. As an after dinner drink or a winter warmer, this is a must-try. The only negative note I'll make about the beer is that it lacks some depth and complexity after the first impression- there is very little in the way of hops presence, yeasty interaction or other 'beery' characteristics - if that's the sort of thing you're looking for. I would argue that the brew could be a little smokier or roastier... but I don't actually believe it needs any change.
Instead, I think there is a proper time and a place to enjoy this beer, one you should decide for yourself. Reinvent dessert, have yourself an ice cream float; maybe enjoy an afternoon drink with a friend or pour some as an aperitif. Have fun with it, let go of any inhibitions, and enjoy being a kid again when you crack one open. I love what Southern Tier has done with this beer- I recommend it with the highest regard, and I look forward to trying the rest of their Blackwater series.
America (New York) - 11% ABV
Southern Tier Brewing [website]
Imperial Stout
Sun, February 1, 2009 in American, Brew Reviews
Reader Comments (3)
[...] I first learned of Southern Tier’s Choklat and its Blackwater Series from a review on 52BREWS, which states, “Southern Tier hit it out of the park with this Choklat Imperial Stout.” [...]
One of the greatest brews from the U.S., not named Stone.
Actually, in terms of US brewery rank - Southern Tier is my 1a to Stone Brewery.
Jersey here!!!!
I've heard many good things about this beer, and as a result it is definitely on my 'must get' list. Now that might be a little bit of a ride for me, but if you can get Southern Tier I might be able to find it someplace closer to home.
I used to go to the Clover Leaf when I lived in the area. Great place!
Cheers!