Chocolate Beer Tapping & Tasting

A part of the «Passport to Broadway North» campaign of events, this was a fun one, just a little disappointing that the speaker couldn’t get 5 minutes of silence to introduce the featured chocolaty beverages that we would be sipping on for the evening. This was actually my first experience with a «growler» thanks to the Unilocal check-​in special (NOT sure if that offer is currently valid) and since my other half claimed his complimentary growler also, we wound up leaving with 2 growlers filled to the brim with delicious, quality, craft beers. We had the Karbach Mother in Lager and the Ranger Creek OPA, both of which are magnificent in taste. To my surprise, nearly 3 days later and both beers were not flat and still maintained their flavors. I should mention that you do, of course, have to pay for the contents of the growler (your beer of choice) for a reasonable price.
From what I remember and what stands out the most: freakin’ delicious chocolate-​covered strawberries, some unique chocolaty-​flavored brews, very limited seating, friendly bartenders, lots of room in the fridge to keep my growlers nice and frosty, and smiles all-​around. Win-​Win!

Now this is what I call a pre-valentine’s party! Chocolate covered strawberries, chocolates, chocolate beers and great company. This was my 2^nd visit to Big Hops so I knew that it was not a big place but I was okay because it makes for a perfect opportunity to mix and mingle. Chocollazo staff and product was incredible. I can’t wait for our paths to cross again. Godiva better watch out!
So yes Liana M. was right by mentioning that is was disorganized but that worked in my favor because I was able to get more than 2 samples during my visit. But for Big Hops favor I wish that they would have closed for a private Unilocalers tasting. The Beer Sommelier was so passionate that it was a shame that we couldn’t hear him. I think I could hear him talk about beer for hours.
I walked out of that event happy because I found two new beers, a new bar, one free growler with my Southern Tier Choklat Stout and new Unilocal friends. Thanks Gloria for finding the perfect opportunities for us.

I am a wine lover and recently I have been venturing to try craft beer. I was excited to try chocolate beer (say what?!) and gourmet chocolates from Chocolazzo. Each person was given two samples, and they were a good size! A ‘beer genius’ walked us through tasting each one and interacted with us and gained our opinion on the flavors in the beer. I really loved the Southern Point Choklat Stout at 10% ABV, so much so that I checked in on Unilocal,scored a free 64 oz growler and filled that sucker up with the amazing beer I just sampled. I brought it to a BBQ and my friends loved it. The treats from Chocolazzo were nothing short of amazing. Dark chocolate caramels (in the shape of Buddha’s head) and various types of chocolate covered strawberries. I’m so glad I arrived towards the end of this event, because there was plenty leftover and I got to have more yummy chocolate treats! Big Hops was a fun place for this event also!

It was a nice evening at Big Hops on Valentine’s Day Eve. The place was jam-​packed! I was happy to meet a few friendly Unilocalers and the chocolate samples from Chocollazo were incredible. The chocolate covered caramels were in the shape of a Buddha head. So you could even say that the chocolates were divine. ;) I also tried a chocolate and coconut covered strawberry. What a treat.
The sampling of beer was nice, if a little disorganized. At times it was difficult to hear the host from Big Hops as he was trying to speak. Lots of energy in the room. The place was very busy and visitors were constantly entering and exiting the building. I did enjoy myself however and I made a few new friends, plus Big Hops is in a great location, so I was pretty glad I went.

Tried the two beer samples, love beer, both neither of these beers are among the styles I like, but liked the Southern Tier much better than the Rogue selection. Nice crowd, just a bit chaotic and crowded, but you gotta be tough if you wanna Unilocal.Parking is at a premium, might have to park on the street which I was able to do. Loved that they had a great Unilocal check-​in special, check in and you got a free Growler, but you had to pay for the Growler to be filled. Pretty cool little shin dig.