Valentine’s Day is mistakenly thought of as merely a commercial “Hallmark” holiday, but it’s reportedly been recognized since 496 AD. It’s a day to celebrate love and the feelings for that “special someone” whether your time together has been 8 days, 8 months, 8 years, or 8 decades.
Famous couples throughout the ages have found their way into the hearts of people worldwide: from Romeo and Juliet and Lancelot and Guinevere, to Fred and Ginger and Ricky and Lucy, to Rachel and Ross and Brad and Angelina, certain couples seemingly fit perfectly together. Their chemistry and attraction is quite obvious, reminding the unattached that there’s someone perfect for them out there.
Cards, candy and flowers are, of course, traditional Valentine’s gifts. Chocolate and berries (usually strawberries) are also commonly given and complement each other, much like those famous pairs.
But beer makes a unique and tasty gift on this romantic holiday. And they appropriately come in both chocolate (Chocolate Stout), and raspberry (Framboise Lambic) flavors.
The gorgeous ruby red St. Louis Premium Framboise Lambic catches everyone’s eyes from across the room. She’s sophisticated and seductive with her prolific pink top. Upon approaching, it’s impossible not to notice her bubbly personality and the sweet scents of fresh berries filling the air. She has a playful side as well as elegance. This exotic Belgian beauty is wild (yeast) and spontaneous (fermentation), as are many from her region. She tastes initially of sweet raspberries but some interesting mouth-puckering tartness follows to help balance out the sweetness. This light- to medium- bodied dessert-like beer finishes with a sugary, raspberry Sweet Tarts candy ending.
The handsome Rogue Chocolate Stout is masculine, midnight black. His brawny, light brown foam head looks formidable, yet intriguing. This independent Pacific northwest rascal is his own man and does things his own way. He grows his own proprietary specialty malts and hops, and he even has his own coveted yeast strain. Intoxicating aromas of chocolate malt and nougat emanate from him — he smells fantastic. He shows his sweet side first, firm chocolate flavors deliciously greet the palate. He’s complex, dry roasted malt and coffee notes hit mid-sip. This adventurous Oregonian finishes strong, tasting much like a potent extra-dark cacao bar.
These two compliment each other beautifully. The sweetness of the Framboise helps tame the bitterness of the Chocolate Stout and vice versa. They’re best when sipped side-by-side where the contrasting flavors can be fully sensed with each sip. We combined the last few ounces of each for a surprisingly tasty treat. They’re the perfect Valentine’s Day beer match and a thoughtful gift for any brew-loving sweetheart.
Both can be found at my local favorite retail bottle haunt-“Beer World” which is located in Largo on Ridge Rd., just north of Ulmerton. Total wine in Tampa didn’t have the Rogue Chocolate Stout but did have the St. Louis Framboise, they did however have the sweeter and very good Youngs Double Chocolate Stout. Both had the Framboise.
thanks for the shout out! love blending this beer and not just for Valentines Day! ~ sebbie
Mmmm…chocolate raspberry beer! I would like them together in a black & pink! Great article!
I’m glad to see the love for Rogue Chocolate Stout! It would blend deliciously well with a Cherry Lambic (Kriek) too!