February 6, 2000 -- While the combination of beer and chocolate might seem strange to some, beer aficionados who have explored the furthest reaches of the brewing arts know that a great beer and chocolate match is a wonderful thing. So, mindful of all the chocolate that will pass between valentines over the next few days, World of Beer is delighted to share with our readers a few tasty suggestions for beers to enjoy with the contents of this year's heart-shaped box, and a few other ideas besides.

-- For a plethora of chocolate-friendly brews, one need look no further than Belgium, a country famous for both beer and chocolate. From the nation's many fruit beers (best with light or milk chocolate that is not fruit-flavoured) to its famed Trappist ales (like Rochefort 8, a natural with rich, dark chocolate), Belgium is filled with beers that take to chocolate like Cupid takes to lovers.

-- Stouts are also great with chocolate, but be very careful when trying to partner up an Irish stout. The natural dryness of a Guinness or Beamish stout won't fare very well beside the sweet, richness of chocolate, so a more subtle, bitter type of chocolate is recommended. Better still, try the sweeter Murphy's Stout, itself imbued with chocolaty notes, or the much stronger and sweeter Russian Imperial style of stout. A North Coast Rasputin, Wellington County Imperial, Samuel Smith Imperial or even the less full-bodied Dragon Stout will bring out the best in a piece of dark, semi-sweet to sweet chocolate.

-- Chocolate cakes also afford a great opportunity to pull out a few bottles of beer. For a dense, flourless chocolate cake, try a strong, abbey-style or Trappist ale like the above-mentioned Rochefort 8 or the Ommegang Ale; vintage bottles of the late and very much lamented Samichlaus pair marvellously with rich, dark chocolate mousse; and a simpler chocolate pudding or lighter, airier chocolate cake will be nicely complemented by a bottle of two of a sweet, lightly spicy ale such as Gouden Carolus or La Choulette Ambrée.

-- Beer can go in chocolate dishes as well as alongside them. The Chocolate Celebration Porter Cheesecake from Hale's Ales in Seattle (the recipe for which can be found in my book, Stephen Beaumont's Brewpub Cookbook) is a fabulous way to use porter in the kitchen, as well as a good partner for a glass of robust porter or stout. Or surprise the one you love with a tasty beer float: a large glass of a sweetish, Belgian-style ale such as Floreffe Dubbel or Stoudt's Abbey Double with a scoop or two of chocolate ice cream thrown in.

-- Arguably the most versatile beer for chocolate is a well-balanced barley wine. (But save the hugely hoppy versions such as Rogue Old Crustacean for a late night drink either on its own or with a good cigar.) A box of quality chocolates and a pair of snifters filled with Anchor Old Foghorn or Fuller's Golden Pride would be a wonderful way to end this or any other Valentine's Day.

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