Long Ireland Brewing Company’s first-ever chocolate beer has been an instant hit with craft beer drinkers.Since the malt-forward porter was put on tap Thursday at the brewery’s Riverhead tasting room it has been well received among all those who’ve tried it, the brewery’s co-founder Greg Martin said. With a limited amount produced — about 40 kegs — the time is now to grab one for yourself, but before you do, here’s a little more about the beer from Mr. Martin himself.
How is the Chocolate Porter Ale made?
“To get that chocolate flavor some of it comes from the malted barley that we use, but we also use what’s called cocoa nibs which are the roasted beginnings of chocolate before it comes actual chocolate. Then we aged it for about a week and a half on cocoa nibs.”
What was the inspiration behind the new beer?
“We’ve never made a porter before and we wanted to try something different. Greenport Harbor Brewing’s Black Duck Porter is one of my favorite local brews. We figured we would do something different with and try it with chocolate. It was a fun project.”
Why should we try it?
“Porter is a great style beer. Porter and chocolate has a nice flavor. It goes really well together.”
The Chocolate Porter Ale has been so popular in the short time that its been available to the public that it will likely become one of Long Ireland’s seasonal winter beers, co-founder and head brewer Dan Burke said.
Try it out for yourself between Thursday and Sunday at Long Ireland’s tasting room, located at 817 Pulaski St, Riverhead. (map it)
