chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Everyone seemed to be fascinated with the warm chocolate shooters I mentioned in the previous post. So in this post, I thought I would share some of the amazing chocolate beer and other delicious libations I had while touring Hershey, Pennsylvania.
Our first stop was to Tröeg’s Independent Brewing Company in the heart of Hershey. Tröeg’s makes some really incredible beers, including several that feature chocolate notes. The Nitro Chocolate Stout features chocolate malt, cocoa nibs, and real dark chocolate. The Double Bock Tröegenator features chocolate malt and is a beautiful bronze colour. And the dark and delicious Bourbon Barrel-aged Tröegenator is the creme-de-la-creme of chocolate beer. With its infusion of whisky notes it’s probably my new favourite beer!
aging chocolate beer in whisky barrels creates an incredible dark beer with a punch!
The Bourbon Barrel-aged beer carries forward all the goodness of the Tröegenator, but is taken to a new level by being aged in bourbon barrels. This Double Bock beer is heavy on the malt and low on the hops, so never bitter. But beware! It packs a serious punch at 10.8% alcohol! But I have to say that I loved Tröeg’s beer so much I bought the specially shaped beer glasses to remind me of this most memorable tasting journey.
Another really tasty diversion I had while in Hershey was a visit to The Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey. It’s all on one beautiful location in Middletown, Pennsylvania, just a few miles out of Hershey. They offer a selection of craft beer, ciders, a series of estate wines, and the Cocoa di Vezzetti port-style wine made with roasted cocoa nibs.
I especially enjoyed the Frostbite Ice Wine made of Vidal grapes and meeting Vice President of Sales and Marketing, ‘Merlot Mike.’ Mike and his creative team have merged beer brewing and wine making with a fabulous entertainment venue that keeps the place hopping year round. “We wanted to create an environment where clients can establish and enjoy a relationship with our brand,” explains Mike, who says that the Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey uses social media and crowdsourcing to personalize its brand.
Now in its fifth year of operation, the Vineyard and Brewery at Hershey is unique in that it makes wine and beer at the same facility and has worked very hard to create fine wines that are less sweet than many others offered at the 200+ wineries in the state of Pennsylvania.
Many thanks to Rick Dunlap of the Hershey/Harrisburg Visitors Bureau for guiding me through this delectable region for foodies with much more than milk chocolate on the menu. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this helpful article about chocolate beer. I really enjoyed reading it. Please keep Posting.
Thanks for sharing about chocolate beer. I mostly like to drink Chocolate beer from local brewer in Haltom city TX.
I’ve tried a couple of chocolate beers in passing when out with friends who like to visit local breweries. I remember liking them, but I’m not enough of a beer drinker to be able to state what most appealed to me about them.
Wow, chocolate beer! Who knew such a thing existed? I’m not a fan of beer, but when in Hershey, one really has to try everything chocolate, right? I’m in!
Absolutely, Patti! I think you would be pleasantly surprised. 🙂
Such a sweet post! 🙂 Chocolate beer — that’s for the hubby. He would LOVE it. Me — Frostbite Ice Wine. It looks like there’s more to Hershey than I ever thought.
There’s so much more to Hershey than I would ever thought, Cathy! Definitely a multi-faceted destination for any gourmand or chocolate lover.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…SleepPhones make life easier
So cool! My best friend is in Hershey tonight for a concert. I’m gonna tell her to stop by tomorrow as she loves wine and chocolate!!
melody pittman recently posted…149 Things To Do At Walt Disney World
Hi Melody. Yes, Hershey has quite a vibrant concert scene. They seem to have SO much going for them despite their small size. Please do refer your friend to my site. I’ve love to hear her thoughts on some of my Hershey posts.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…SleepPhones make life easier
I was in Hershey a few years ago, but I’m afraid I preceded the chocolate beer. Not sure what I think of that but have enjoyed other bourbon barrel beers. I do remember the chocolate soap and shampoo in the hotel room.
Hi Ken, and welcome back to Chocolatour! Haven’t seen u here in a very long time. I am definitely now a fan of bourbon barrel-aged beers! The Troegenator is quite amazing!
Doreen recently posted…SleepPhones make life easier
Even the addition of chocolate couldn’t make me like beer, I don’t think, but I’d be willing to try! I recently discovered chocolate-flavored Bailey’s Irish Cream, and that’s definitely my new favorite! Your posts make me want to visit Hershey next time I’m near there!
Rachel Heller recently posted…Macabre sightseeing in Brno: 3 places to visit
Super, Rachel. I do hope you get to visit Hershey as it really is quite an amazing destination, and so close to Harrisburg, which is filled with history and an amazing Capitol building. Stay tuned for a post on that!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…SleepPhones make life easier
Chocolate beer and a town called Hershey – I didn’t know about either until I read this post. Love how much I can learn from you Doreen about chocolate. Thank you 🙂
Thanks so much for the kind comment, Jo. It is indeed my mission to educate and entice the world about chocolate in each and every corner of it! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Boy this Hershey area just keeps surprising me more and more. Chocolate beer? Haven’t tried that one yet. Great story Doreen!
Sue Reddel recently posted…Taste of the Old West in Cody Wyoming
Thanks, Sue. Stick with me! There is a whole world of chocolate to explore and I won’t quit until I’ve seen and experienced it all. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I’d like to try that chocolate stout! Actually, all the beers sound fantastic.
They are indeed, Erin! Craft beer is so amazing, and when it’s made with chocolate malt, it’s over the top amazing! 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Back in the day when we used to visit Hershey in my home state of Pennsylvania, it was all about the chocolate factory and the amusement park. At my current age, a return visit might well be all about the beer, bourbon and the wine—-and the chocolate, of course.
Suzanne, don’t forget about the Chocolate Spa at The Hotel Hershey, and the Butterfly Atrium at Hershey Gardens. Wonderful pastimes for gals like us. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I’m a wine drinker myself but I do occasionally enjoy a good dark beer and the addition of chocolate is fascinating. I’d love to give it a try sometime! I was thinking about you recently because I discovered a chocolate maker in southern Eugene and had my heart set on visiting them (see your influence!) but then my trip had to be cancelled due to fires in the area. Hopefully, I’ll make it later this fall.
Marquita Herald recently posted…Have You Ever Considered All The Things You Take For Granted Every Day?
Definitely keep me posted ion any great chocolate finds, Marty! I love receiving tips and reviews from my readers. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I do like stout beer, Doreen.
Tee hee, in Wales my sister and I stuck with our favorite: red wine.
RoseMary Griffith recently posted…Road tripping to the American west when you live in the east
Then you will definitely like a beer made with chocolate malt, or a double;e bock beer. Try one and let me know! If you can get that Bourbon barrel-soaked Troegenator, buy it! You will LOVE it!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I’m not sure I can do chocolate beer. I’ve been persuaded to do chocolate wine as a dessert. But put chocolate in my coffee and I’ll pull a scary face! That said, I’m sure up for the rest of the visit to Hershey–just for the experience.
RoseMary Griffith recently posted…Road tripping to the American west when you live in the east
Hi Rose. If you like dark beer like Stout or Porter, I guarantee you will like the beer made with chocolate malt. It is not sweet at all. But if you don’t enjoy a dark beer, then it’s not likely to be something you will enjoy. What did you drink while in Wales?
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
I love sweet and so I’m in for the Frostbite Ice Wine! What a good name anyway 😀
Marcelle recently posted…Praslin, Seychellen – Reiseführer
The FrostBite Ice Wine is fabulous and not TOO sweet. This company has really creative names and packaging. Really cool!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
Who knew there was chocolate beer? If never ceases to amaze me that chocolate can be consumed in so many different ways.
It is my happy job to inform chocolate lovers of all the ways they can discover and enjoy chocolate, Jeannette. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Between the beer and the chocolate, seems like Luke and I would both have things to please our tastebuds 🙂 We’ll have to add Hershey to our domestic list!! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Meagan. Hershey is an incredible destination. Did you catch my post about the great hotels and chocolate spa? 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Chocolate beer – that sounds like my sort of thing! I’d love to try it…
Karen Warren recently posted…Exploring the Gold Rush Era in Arrowtown, New Zealand
Hi Karen: Living in the UK, you would have easy access to the Young’s Double Chocolate beer. Look for it!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I never thought that chocolates could have so much to tell about their past and present.
After reading your posts, got to know the history of Hershey and now this amazing thing called Chocolate Beer !! Seriously, I don’t drink much alcohol. Still, I would love to take a sip of this chocolate beer someday 🙂
Moumita De Sarkar recently posted…Marital rape : why is there no sense in framing laws to prevent it ?
Hi Moumita. Yes, there is much to learn about the world of chocolate and cacao. That is why I’ve been writing about it for the past 8 years! Generally, the chocolate beers are stouts and porters, and these tend to have a rather intense taste. So they may not be the right thing for you. Thanks for joining the conversation and being a reader of this blog. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
I am trying to imagine what chocolate beer tastes like – perhaps like a malt drink? I am sure it is a hit with those who have a sweet toothe. I look forward to trying this one day – then I will give you the thumbs up or thumbs down.
Phoenicia recently posted…Do “it” with boldness!
Hi Phoenicia. No, chocolate beer is not sweet at all. Most of them are made with chocolate malt or cocoa nibs–neither of which have sugar added. As you are in the UK, I suggest searching out York Double Chocolate Stout. It is a really good example of a chocolate beer.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
That Bourbon Barrel-aged Tröegenator sounds worth trying. I’ve only tried chocolate beer once – a chocolate stout my brother-in-law shared with me. It was quite good, although I don’t remember now what brand it was.
Donna Janke recently posted…Journey Through Western Canadian History at Heritage Park
Hi Donna and thanks for your comment. Aren’t we fortunate that we have the opportunity to taste so many incredible things? I remember when I was young, and the most exotic thing I’d ever tasted was shrimp!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
I had no idea chocolate was so versatile. Very creative to age the beer in whiskey barrels. That had to be a divine tasting! Thanks for sharing your visit to Hershey/Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. I enjoy the photography, too.
Absolutely divine tasting, Pamela! Yes, chocolate is very versatile creation. I really love cocoa cuisine, where the savoury side of cocoa is used to infuse meat and fish with its lovely notes.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
Chocolate beer? Drop the mic! I gotta get me to Hershey, quick!
Charles McCool recently posted…Modern Map Art For a Cool Travel Gift
Hi Charles. Have a look at the link I included in one of the beer pics. It includes the names of quite a few chocolate beers. There are now tons of them. Some … much better than others. 🙂
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum
It all sounds yummy to me… wondering if I could find it in a Manitoba liquor store but I think I already know the answer….lol
Hi Linda! You can’t get the Troegenator here. But there are quite a few great chocolate beers on offer at MLCC. You can’t go wrong with Young’s Double Chocolate Stout, available by single bottle. And the Half Pints Manitoba-made “Stir-stick Stout made with chocolate malt. Enjoy!
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Doreen, the beer, and wine look just amazing! I wish I could try it right now! 🙂
Ivan recently posted…Penang Travel Guide
Doreen, I learn so much about chocolate from you. I woulld never have even imagined that chocolate beer existed or chocolate wine for that matter. But now I know.
Catarina recently posted…Is evil a fashionable and convenient label?
Hi Catarina. It truly is amazing how chocolate is infused into so many aspects of our lives. There is the excellent Young’s Double Chocolate beer that I’m sure you can get in Sweden and throughout Europe. I don’t know of any others available on the European Continent at this point in time.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…chocolate beer and more in Hershey, PA
Now that is a beer and wine I’ve got try. Thanks for sharing.
Susan Cooper recently posted…Watermelon, Feta Cheese, Herb Salad: #Recipe
OH, Susan! I think you would be in heaven in Hershey/Harrisburg! Truly a destination for Chocokat-loving foodies and gourmands.
Doreen Pendgracs recently posted…a visit to The Hershey Story chocolate museum