Study Beer and Chocolate with a Local Expert

By Jason Henry Mon., Jul. 23 2012 at 7:00 AM

Categories: Beer, Mission

Jenny Downing (beer) / John Loo (chocolate)

Pairing chocolate with red wine is soooo 2001. Enjoying chocolate with beer, on the other hand, offers a whole new world of pairing options. If there's one Bay Area local who is uniquely positioned to speak on the issue, it's Pete Slosberg. You may know him better as "Wicked Pete" of Pete's Wicked Ales. As a homebrewer turned pro, Pete was one of the early pioneers in craft brewing. His brewery started churning out flavorful beers in the mid-80s alongside local heroes Sierra Nevada and Anchor Brewing. These brewers took a stand against mass-produced fizzy yellow beers, and the rest is history.

Pete went on to found Cocoa Pete's chocolate company. We often envision Pete in his chocolate factory, sporting a Wonka-esque purple velvet coat, surrounded by rivers of beer and chocolate waterfalls. Needless to say, the man knows a thing or two about beer and chocolate. Thankfully, he's willing to share that knowledge.

On Wednesday, July 25, Pete will lead a seminar at 18 Reasons. "Roasted Beans and Barley: Chocolate and Beer Tasting" will guide guests through the basics of creating chocolate and brewing beer. Topics of process and artistry in chocolate-making will include roasting, temper (not the disposition) and conch (not the shell). Naturally, attendees will taste a variety of beers paired with sweet treats from local Dandelion Chocolate. Details and pairings, below:

Roasted Beans and Barley: Chocolate and Beer Tasting
Where: 18 Reasons, 3674 18th St. (at Dolores), 568-2710
When: Wednesday, July 25, 7 to 9 p.m.
Cost: $25 members, $35 general. Tickets at Brown Paper Tickets
What: An educational seminar and tasting of beer and chocolate:

Pairings include Chimay with Madagascar cherry inclusion; Pretty Things Lovely Saint Winefride dark lager with Colombian malt; Ninkasi oatmeal stout with Madagascar nut inclusion and Colombian nut inclusion; and Russian River Salvation Belgian strong dark ale with Ochumar.

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