Chocolate Beer
Chocolate beer is a type of alcoholic beverage characterized by the flavors and aromas derived from beer and cacao. Typically based on dark beers, this style has developed by adding roasted malts and actual chocolate or cacao products as primary or secondary ingredients to express chocolate-like flavors and richness. Believed to have originated in 19th-century England with the use of chocolate malt, chocolate beer is now produced in a variety of forms by craft breweries around the world, including in Belgium, the United States, and China. It is especially popular among those seeking dessert beers or unique tastes, and it also attracts attention as a regional specialty or as a limited-edition product for events.
- Taste Rating
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The bitterness that hits you the moment you take a sip is intense. It's not the hoppy bitterness of an IPA, but more like the deep, roasted bitterness you get from dark beer or burnt chocolate. It's good that you can drink it even when it's not cold. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but strangely enough, when you sip it slowly, it becomes addictively hard to stop. There's not much sweetness or chocolate flavor.
- Price
- 25 Yuan Renminbi
- Meal Date
- 9/20/2025
AI Gourmet Analysis
Overview
Chocolate beer is a type of craft beer characterized by the rich roasted malt flavors and chocolate-derived aromas and tastes. Various versions have been developed around the world. Its origin dates back to 19th-century England, where a roasted malt called "chocolate malt" was used, imparting chocolate-like aroma and depth to dark beers such as porters and stouts. Since the late 20th century, with the rise of craft beer in countries such as Belgium and the United States, recipes that actually include cacao, cocoa, or even dark chocolate as adjuncts have become increasingly common.
Features at "A Piece of Chocolate Carefree," Qianmen Street, Beijing
The featured "chocolate beer" (Chinese name: 黑巧克力啤酒) is a craft beer uniquely served at "A Piece of Chocolate Carefree," a chocolate-themed specialty store located on Qianmen Street, a famous tourist destination in Beijing, China. Judging from the label, information about alcohol content and ingredients is limited, but generally, in addition to malt, hops, and yeast, it is presumed that cacao or cocoa ingredients are added as adjuncts. It comes in a 330ml bottle and is attracting attention mainly from local tourists and beer enthusiasts.
Brewing Method and Flavor
Brewing Method
Traditional chocolate beer uses a particularly deeply roasted malt known as "chocolate malt" during the brewing stage. The roasted, bread-like and dark chocolate flavors produced by this malt form the base of the beer. In recent years, it has become common among craft breweries to add actual cacao, cocoa, and even vanilla beans during fermentation or at finishing to further develop a rich dessert-like character and unique individuality.
Variations Around the World
In Belgium, robust beers such as "chocolate stout" and "chocolate tripel" have been developed, while in the United States, especially in California and Oregon, a wide range of experimental chocolate beers are produced by craft breweries. In the UK, long-standing brands such as Young’s and Richmond Premium are well-known for their chocolate beers, often adding authentic cacao and natural flavors.
Health and Cultural Significance
Chocolate beer is a product that emerged from the diversification of beer culture and the movement to highlight the "indigenous character" of alcohol by using local ingredients. While the polyphenols from dark beer and cacao are said to provide certain antioxidant effects, it is also important to be mindful of the alcohol content and the potential for excessive sugar intake.
In China, even in regions with little traditional beer culture, the recent craft beer boom has promoted the acceptance of innovative flavored beers. In particular, "chocolate beer" (巧克力啤酒) is becoming a new trend, offering unique flavors and local identity.
Conclusion
Chocolate beer/黑巧克力啤酒 is a product that allows one to enjoy a fusion of the traditional bittersweetness of roasted malts and modern chocolate flavors. It stands as a symbol at the forefront of craft beer culture. The version offered at "A Piece of Chocolate Carefree" on Qianmen Street in Beijing is gaining attention as a special glass for those seeking new local experiences at this popular tourist destination.