If you’re in love with a beer lover, you can treat them to something extra special this Valentine’s Day: chocolate and flowers.
Huh?
Let us clarify: There are a number of the beers made by local microbrewers that have chocolaty undertones, and hops are, after all, flowers. (Technically, hops are a cluster of the Humulus lupulus species of flowers.)
As you search for that perfect gift for your beloved beer lover, consider one of these locally crafted microbrews:
Bells Brewery in Kzoo features its Cherry Stout, which matches malty dark chocolate flavors with the tartness of Montmorency cherries grown in the Traverse City region. Of course, Bells also makes Two-Hearted Ale, a hoppy IPA with an appropriate name for a beer-loving couple.
The Walldorff Brewpup in Hasting always serves up some interesting combinations. Check out the Chocolate Baltic Porter (7% ABV) or the fruity Blackberry Belgian Tripel (9.8% ABV). Or try Teresa’s Ceremonial Braggot, an ale/mead blend that was brewed last February for head brewer Sam Sherwood’s wedding.
Founders Brewing Company in GR has no shortage of beers you could fall in love with. Beer judges certainly love the Founders Porter, which has a strong chocolate and caramel malt nose. It recently won a Grand Champion in the U.S. Beer Tasting Championships.
New Holland Brewing offers The Poet, a rich and malty brew with tones of roast coffee and chocolate. Pair it with any chocolate dessert and, perhaps, a few verses of Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Arcadia Brewing offers a triple-shot of love with the Cocoa Loco Triple Chocolate Stout, which gets its rich flavor from Simpson chocolate, Wyeyerman chocolate and crisp chocolate malts.
Saugatuck Brewing Co. serves up two Valentine favorites this year: Imperial Chocolate Oatmeal Stout, which features two types of cacao, and Vanilla Nutmeg Oatmeal Stout, which is brewed with fresh ground nutmeg and pure vanilla extract.
And lest your love begin to fade after Valentine's Day, you can sample some of these brews -- and lots of others -- at the Michigan Brewers Guild Winter Beer Festival on Saturday, Feb. 27 from noon-5 p.m. at 5/3 Ballpark in Comstock Park.
