From the Beer Writer: I am a fan of pumpkin spice. It’s almost liberating saying so, knowing how controversial that ubiquitous autumnal seasoning has become in the age of unsocial media. But there’s another seasonally inspired flavor profile I enjoy even more: peppermint mocha. Dark chocolate isn’t really my thing, but melt it down and sprinkle it with pulverized candy canes, and suddenly I’m devouring them like a basket of warm tortilla chips. So, it’s pretty outstanding on a personal level to see North Park Beer Co. infuse its already magnificent imperial chocolate stout with a combination of Tanzanian and Brazilian coffee, plus a pungent punch of peppermint. Peppermint Mocha Baker’s Man is every bit the delight one would imagine, especially in a tasting room adorned with dark woods and gussied up with the fir and tinsel of the holidays. Leave this luscious, alluringly onyx beauty behind for Old Saint Nick and expect a gratefully stuffed stocking in return.
From the Brewer: “Just in time for the holidays, we infused our Baker’s Man imperial chocolate stout with peppermint and Mostra Coffee beans to create the perfect winter treat! This bold stout delivers a luxuriously silky and creamy, full-bodied mouthfeel courtesy of three types of oats. We used a layer cake of our favorite dark crystal, chocolate and roasted malts to bring out flavors of dark dried fruits, licorice, baking cocoa, cola and dark espresso, all wrapped up in a minty cocoa-mocha package. There’s a semi-sweet finish with lingering dark chocolate and peppermint that makes this rich stout easy to enjoy.”—Kelsey McNair, Owner & Head Brewer, North Park Beer Co.
