Eel River Brewing Company, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolates, and Humboldt Bay Coffee join forces to produce chocolate, coffee beer

Single Origin Mocha Stout release parties to be held at Eel River Brewing Company Pub and Restaurant in Fortuna on Wed, Feb 1 and at the Local Cider Bar in the Bittersweet building in Arcata on Thursday, Feb 2

By Angela Cordell

Eel River Brewing Company has partnered with Eureka businesses, Dick Taylor Craft Chocolates and Humboldt Bay Coffee Company to produce, Single Origin Mocha Stout – a smooth, roasty, chocolate and coffee enhanced milk stout. Single Origin Madagascar Cacao from Dick Taylor and Single Origin Peruvian Roast from Humboldt Bay Coffee are used throughout the brewing process. The result is a rich, creamy milk stout - designed to be poured on nitro tap.

The trio of businesses will be celebrating the release of Single Origin Mocha Stout on Wed, Feb 1 at Eel River Brewing’s pub in Fortuna. Local artist and team member at Humboldt Bay Coffee, Sonny Wong, will be painting live from 6pm to 8pm. The final art piece will serve as the tap sticker and artwork for the beer itself. An additional party is planned for 6pm at the Local Cider Bar in the Bittersweet building in Arcata on Thursday, Feb 2. Representatives from the businesses will be present at both events to toast the occasion.

This truly Humboldt collaboration was the brainchild of Eel River’s brewers, Matt Vivatson and Michael Smith. The concept of a chocolate, coffee milk stout designed to utilize the smooth and creamy finishing characteristics of a nitro poured brew was one they had been considering for some time. In 2016, the brewery set a goal to develop a local collaboration program – working with neighboring businesses to source ingredients. The idea to reach out and include Dick Taylor Chocolate and Humboldt Bay Coffee for this brew followed shortly thereafter. Both companies are known for creating the highest quality products while maintaining a commitment to sustainability.

Dick Taylor Craft Chocolates is an award-winning, Humboldt-based chocolate company that specializes in small batch, bean-to-bar chocolate. They source fairly-traded cacao and perform all of the steps in-house to turn the raw ingredients into the finest chocolate possible. Dick Taylor’s founders Adam Dick and Dustin Taylor have strong roots in hand-craftsmanship, having put their day jobs as wood workers on hold to pursue life as chocolatiers.

Humboldt Bay Coffee Company roasts the top 1% of the world’s coffee in Old Town Eureka. They source the highest-grade coffee beans including, USDA certified organic, bird-friendly and single-estate coffees. Humboldt Bay is committed to environmental stewardship and producing the most sustainable coffee possible.

Single Origin Mocha Stout is a small batch, limited edition draft only offering. Eel River Brewing will be selling the beer through their network of distributors up and down the entire west coast and in select locations in Ohio, Indiana, and North Carolina.