The Shout Magazine (New Zealand)

Garage Project and Whittaker’s announce ‘Chocolate Beer’

Wellington brewery Garage Project has announced a limited-edition collaboration beer with beloved New Zealand Chocolate makers Whittaker’s, aptly named ‘Chocolate Beer.’

The two independent and Wellington region-based companies have long admired each other’s work and relished the chance to collaborate.

“When we set out to create the most decadent Chocolate Beer, we had to use the best ingredients, and that’s Whittaker’s,” says Garage Project co-founder and brewer, Pete Gillespie. “As a full ‘beans to bar’ producer, and being local, we know their quality and freshness is unmatched.”

After a long series of discussions and trial brews, a final recipe was settled on that called for the use of a significant amount of Whittaker’s Cocoa Nib. Batch roasted from ethically sourced suppliers, the nib lends an intense aroma and flavour to the beer.

“Working with the Garage Project team on the Chocolate Beer has been a fun challenge for us,” says Holly Whittaker. “Every little attention to detail from flavour to the can design has been a close collaboration and we’re thrilled with the final result.”

Each ‘Chocolate Beer’ can has been spiked with a shot of liquid nitrogen so that it pours a thick creamy head and has a smoother and even more delicious taste. Each can also comes with a special set of instructions on top to ensure a perfect pour every time.

Garage Project and Whittaker’s ‘Chocolate Beer’ is brewed with a range of dark and chocolate malts, lactose, vanilla and Whittaker’s Cocoa Nibs, and is 4.7% abv. Brewed as an ale base, the ‘Chocolate Beer’ is available for a strictly limited time as a special release.

You can get your hands on your own Garage Project and Whittaker’s ‘Chocolate Beer’ from any New World supermarket or Liquorland store nationwide from 16 July. Select bars and restaurants throughout the country will also serve ‘Chocolate Beer’, a perfect treat to enjoy on cold winters nights.

‘Chocolate Beer’ will be available at all Garage Project venues including cellar doors in Wellington and Kingsland Auckland, and the Garage Project webstore from 2 July.