What happens when a prominent brewery and a third-generation chocolatier join forces? Three sweet words: Chocolate. Truffle. Stout.
The "sweet Connecticut collaboration" will be the newest release from Thomas Hooker Brewery, in partnership with Bolton candymakers Munson's Chocolates. The stout (5.9% ABV) is produced with Munson's proprietary cocoa and chocolate nibs, added during the boil process.
Thomas Hooker president Curt Cameron says the stout should be ready for sampling and growler purchase at the Bloomfield brewery's next Open House, on Jan. 20. The goal is to have bottles available in stores by Valentine's Day, he said.
After the brewery announced the news Friday night, its official Facebook page lit up with delighted fan posts. Cameron says he's just as excited as they are about the new release.
"Munson's chocolate gives it a nice, smooth, milky sort of [flavor,]" he said of the stout. "We're really happy with the way this one is tasting."
And over at Munson's, they're also selling another offspring of the beer-and-candy marriage, a beer brittle made with Hooker's Liberator Dopplebock lager.
Thomas Hooker Brewery is at 16 Tobey Road in Bloomfield. The Jan. 20 open house, held from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., is $10 for tastings, a guided tour and a souvenir pint glass. 860-242-3111, hookerbeer.com.
