Chocolate and Beer pairing with Philter Coffee and Kennett Brewing Company
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o Chris Thompson, owner of Philter Coffee in Kennett Square, chocolate is the perfect companion to a great cup of coffee. An early supporter of the American bean-to-bar movement, Thompson has been showcasing the diversity of chocolate flavors through a selection of single origin bars available at the specialty coffee shop. Too late for coffee? Try craft beer instead. “Beer has milder flavors than wine, which makes it much easier to pair with food,” comments Mark Osborne, co-owner of the neighboring Kennett Brewing Company. Together with Thompson, they came up with pairings which will prove to you that, sometimes, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Start with the light Heady Danker, a sour brew whose lemon notes complement the tart raspberries of Dick Taylor’s Vanilla Raspberry bar. Enjoyed together, they’re reminiscent of a festive summer dessert. Next, try the Jammy Bastard Pale, Written by Estelle Tracy Photography by Natalie Radbill
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which Thompson claims “tastes like the kids are in bed,” along with the bright citrus notes of Woodblock Chocolate’s 70% Madagascar. The Kennett Pride, a “beery,” “awesomely drinkable” brew will be the partner of choice of a quality milk chocolate, such as Potomac Chocolate’s creamy 65% Peruvian Dark Milk. Who knew milk chocolate could go with beer? Contrary to popular belief, IPAs can work surprisingly well with chocolate. Take the Passion of the Thrice, for instance, whose slightly bitter, fragrant grapefruit notes play beautifully against the nutty and woody ones of Ritual Chocolate’s 75% Mexico bar. With their coffee and cacao undertones, stouts and porters are obvious companions to chocolate: end your flavor journey with the Ploughman Porter, which tames the intense fruitiness of Ranger Chocolate’s Chulucanas bar. Despite its 80% cacao content, the single origin bar is surprisingly sweet, with notes reminiscent of “Raisinets,” as Chris puts it. Interestingly, the pairing brings out a smokiness toward the finish. Plan a visit to Kennett Square today to experience these fine chocolate and beer duos. Pick the recommended bars at Philter Coffee, then head to Kennett Brewing Company, a mere couple of blocks down the street, and prepare to be wowed.
Philter Coffee 111 West State Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 http://philtercoffee.com/
Kennett Brewing Company 109 South Broad Street, Kennett Square, PA 19348 http://kennettbrewingcompany.com/