Chocolate is one of the pleasures of life, and from fruits to desserts, everything seems to taste better with it. Big Storm Brewing Co. had this in mind when they collaborated with William Dean Chocolates, the artisanal, handmade chocolate shop, to create, drum roll please... Chocolate Beer. This masterpiece is called "Cocoa Convergence" and is described as a combination of a chocolate stout, with rich flavors of sweet toffee and caramelized sugar paired with a hint of indulgent chocolate.
The process of finding the perfect blend of chocolate and beer wasn't easy. “Like most endeavors, it takes some time and experimentation to find the right balance between flavors like chocolate and beer,” said Big Storm’s Head Brewer Joel Moore. After testing several recipes and starting to come together on a flavor profile, a new challenge arose; the pair had to choose how to best represent this concoction and turned to the public for assistance in finding a name.
Back on World Chocolate Day in October, Big Storm Brewing Co. let brew flow in both its Pinellas and Pasco county taprooms and tasked the public to come up with a name. Nearly 500 creative potential titles were submitted, making the decision difficult, but a winner had to be selected. Aside from getting bragging rights of naming the beer, the winner got a private 8 person Big Storm Brewing Co. tour, a tap handle for the new beer, a 20-piece box of William Dean Chocolates, and a supply of the new product graced with their moniker. Big Storm is the fastest growing independent craft brewery in Florida, so that new title would be splashed on shelves and taps throughout Florida and nationwide.
After carefully reviewing the entries, "Cocoa Convergence" submitted by Sherry Olson of Winter Haven, Fla. was chosen as the winner. "The name has two parts, the first being the obvious Cocoa from William Dean Chocolates, followed by Convergence which means to unify or a place where air or water meets," said Olson, "I thought the names were a perfect blending of Big Storm's and William Dean's crafty collaboration!"
For those who haven't tried this decadent treat, you're in for a sweet and sudsy surprise. Stay Connected to all things St Petersburg & Clearwater by connecting with 727area. We share Things to Do in St Petersburg & Clearwater, Events, Restaurants and more!
Cover photo courtesy of Unsplash
