Brasser Bier

Valentino Chocolatier launched "Where Beer Meets Chocolate", the first Belgian beer to match perfectly with dark chocolate. This launch aims to introduce you to a pristine world where new beer and chocolate combinations are limitless. The chocolate pairing beer and the accompanying dark chocolate are available in the Valentino outlets.

What is the Where beer meets Chocolate?
The beer of 6.5 % alcohol is fermented in the bottle. It is a reddish brown beer brewed in order to perfectly match with dark chocolate. The full-bodied character fully contributes to this, along with the complex flavours that were formed during the fermentation which created a subtle interplay of notes of vanilla , raisins, caramel and grains. It is an ageing beer that evolves as it gets older. The beer is brewed at Brewery Anders based on Valentino Chocolatier's recipe.

Why a chocolate - pairing beer?

"Food pairing" is an increasingly popular trend in the culinary world. The pairing process looks for exquisite flavor combinations, in which all ingredients work together at their best. In recent years there is also a growing interest in "food and drink" pairing . With the 'pairing ' of beer and chocolate, Valentino Chocolatier wants the seal the wedding between two Belgian top products: beer and dark chocolate.

How to pair?
- Pour the beer.
- Let the dark chocolate melt in your mouth.
- Drink the beer and let it mix with the chocolate.

The Beer and Chocolate 'momentum'

The 'pairing' of chocolate and beer is not just a matter of taste. This pairing also invites consumers to experiment with taste in a relaxed and friendly way by themselves with family, friends, at home or in a restaurant , .... A chocolate-beer pairing is a unique experience that is even more appreciated when it is shared. The beer and dark chocolate will stand out on a dessert menu, but can also be the perfect choice for numerous other events, such as Christmas, birthdays, Valentine, etc. Read on for some of our beer and chocolate -pairingsuggestions.


Willy Roelandts: "With this launch, we invite the burgundian Belgian to experiment with flavours. We Belgians are the specialist on both beer and chocolate and by searching for perfect flavour combinations between beer and chocolate, we open the door to unprecedented new opportunities, in which many chocolate and beer combinations are possible. We do not focus our attention only to the gastronomic environment, but to anyone who is curious to discover new flavours: top chefs, amateur chefs, food lovers, so everybody who enjoys life".

The creation

Sven Deman (Valentino Chocolatier) is the creator of the chocolate pairing beer. Sven : "I started my culinary career as a chocolatier - confectioner. Perfecting myself through cooking school was the next step. The interest in the beer began during my first catering experience (as cafe/pub owner) and culminated in a true passion. Thanks to my training as a beer connoisseur, I could finally start working with flavours on my own. When tasting chocolate beers, I missed the existing harmony in which both the beer and the purity of the chocolate came into their own. With the technique of pairing, I wanted to strengthen both flavours, making the flavour experience even more intense. At Valentino Chocolatier, I got the chance to bring together two wonderful Belgian products, beer and chocolate, and to invent the chocolate pairing beer."

Practical
· Ingredients: brewery, barley malt, yeast, hops.
· Taste Pallet: a balanced character with notes of vanilla, caramel, raisins and cereal.
· Available in bottles of 75 cl (to share)
· Price: 4,75 € / bottle
· For sale at retail outlets of Valentino Chocolatier

The Beer wins a Bronze Medal in the Brussels Beer Challenge:

This is the feedback of the judges.

Medal: Bronze Medal
Appearance: Reddish brown with a white head.
Aroma: Malts, nuts and raisins and some hop bitterness.
Taste & body: Medium body, malt, some hints of honey, dry fruit, nice and clean finish.
Technical quality: No major faults. Great balance.
Appropriate for category: Fits in the style.