Craft Beer and Chocolate Father’s Day Gifting Solved!

I still remember the year my father asked me to never buy ties for him. Ever again. Slightly crushed, I nodded agreement. After my ego recovered, I wondered what in the world I could buy for the man who had everything, including impeccable taste.

Fast forward a few decades and I have hit upon a unique gift idea that will thrill any dad who enjoys craft beer and chocolate. I know, this combination may sound a bit unorthodox but trust the trends.

I first stumbled across “craft beer chocolate” at Target. Attractively packaged, I was inspired to pick up a few bars of the Happy Day Brands Pub Collection. The Porter is dark chocolate with almonds roasted in Porter. True to the description, the bittersweet chocolate has a bold, nutty molasses flavor with a mildly sweet and crunchy caramelized finish. My second choice, IPA is 34% milk chocolate lightly dusted with fresh Northwest hops. The contrast of the slightly bitter hops with the sweet milk chocolate is an interesting combination.

Both bars have the word “Dreams” imprinted on the individual squares, a representation of the brand’s mission: “To create socially conscious, innovative products that transform lives by helping the vulnerable succeed while inspiring people to shape a better, more sustainable world”. Lots more than I expected from a chocolate bar. Love it!

Wondering what other companies were in this space, I googled “craft beer flavored chocolate” and discovered there are more chocolate-flavored beers than beer-flavored chocolates.

One chocolatier that caught my interest is Moonstruck Chocolate Company. First, they are based in Portland, Oregon…foodie and craft beer’s equivalent of heaven. Next, Master Chocolatier Julian Rose is at the helm, a classically trained pastry chef whose career has spanned 25 years, including time with large European chocolate company. Julian teamed up with original craft beer pioneers to develop a rich, full-bodied truffle collection featuring four of Oregon’s well-loved and distinct craft brews: Wheat, Porter, Brown, and IPA.

The chocolates in the Craft Brewers Collection are cleverly shaped like beer bottle tops, right down to the caps, all handmade, fresh batch chocolate. The creamy fillings are slightly tangy and incorporate the craft beer flavors. Unique and delicious, these treats will satisfy the most discerning beer and chocolate lover’s palate.

The Distiller’s Collection is an artistic, colorful collection of truffles that feature spirits from Oregon’s finest craft distillers. Flavors include ginger and coffee liquer, apple brandy, Dead Guy Whiskey and Limoncello. They are as scrumptious as they are beautiful. This is an ideal option if the dad on your list prefers whiskey to beer. Better yet, give him both!

Note: You must be 21 years of age or older to purchase this collection because it contains approximately 5% alcohol by weight.

Prepare yourself for big smiles and happy recipients. But don’t expect them to share. These chocolates are seriously special!

Lori Rodgers – Lori’s passion for food and fine dining began at an early age. She started reading Gourmet at 8, and was fortunate to have a father who included her in his travels to cites across the US, often frequenting restaurants she had read about in the magazine. After studying hotel and restaurant management at FSU for two years and thoroughly enjoying the summer program in Switzerland, she graduated with a degree in International Business with a minor in Spanish. Lori owned and operated the family business, Bert Rodgers Schools of Real Estate for 25 years, indulging her cooking hobby by whipping up meals for family and friends on the weekends. She has two teenagers who have adopted a vegan lifestyle, adding a new challenge to Lori’s cooking repertoire. Lori recently sold the business and is embarking on a new chapter and new career, returning to her true calling, cooking and exploring the multifaceted world of food!