United Nations of Beer

BABB Teobroma

by Ashley Cotter-Cairns
(UNOB HQ)

BABB Teobroma stout: Proof that Italian and stout are not mutually exclusive, outside of gangster movies

BABB Teobroma stout

The first Flaveurs Bieres et Caprices, a Montreal beer and food pairing event, focused on the emerging Italian quality beer market.

Prior to this event, you'd be forgiven for thinking that Italians and beer were as good a mix as American politicians and honesty.

But you can throw away all your Hillary puns, because BABB Teobroma stout is a very worthy introduction to the art of fine Italian beer, even if many of you won't like it very much.

Teobroma pours dark reddish black, or blackish red, depending on your mood and the quality of the lighting where you drink it.

With a hefty alcohol content of 10% ABV, you'd expect this one to blow your head off and mask most of the subtle flavours, hops and aftertaste when you try it.

You're going to be surprised. At first, you'll be amazed by the sweetness of this beer. It tastes a lot like a sweet port wine or even a sherry. Quite a shock. Stout is usually relied on to be bitter, at least.

There's tons of flavours coming through here, but none of them are stout-like. There is some coffee, but mostly the flavour is fruity and, yes, sweet. Almost sickly.

This is a beer you have to try, really, just to see what I'm on about. It's not worth spending a lot of money importing specially, but if you're in Italy or somehow happen across it, Teobroma stout is definitely going to surprise you. At least you can be sure that there's more to Italian beer than bland, forgettable lager.