Beer Tip: Dogfish Head Theobroma
By Tom Maicon at August 7, 2009 | 9:01 am | Print
Dogfish Head seems to be on a roll during this crazy craft beer explosion we’re currently enjoying. And I’m giddy to see the Theobroma, a brew I’ve been anxious to try since its release last May, has finally made it to our market.
Theobroma literally translates to “food of the gods.” The recipe, which contains Aztec cocoa powder, is based on the earliest known alcoholic chocolate drink used by early civilizations of the Americas to celebrate special occasions.
Sometime around 1200 B.C., long before the cacao seed (or bean) became popular, it was the sweet pulp of the chocolate fruit, used in making a fermented beverage, which first gained attention to the plant in the Americas.
It’s an odd beer with a lot going on, and despite all the cocoa that goes into this one, I was most intrigued by the spiciness brought out by the ancho chilies and the smooth, sweet lingering finish of the honey.
I wouldn’t rate this beer up there with the great ones, but it certainly is different and worthy of a try. If I were going to pair it with a food, spicy chocolate mole comes to mind.
Oh, and make sure you have a partner in crime — this big chile beer weighs in at 9% abv.
Verdict: 3 on a scale to 5
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