Beer and chocolate pairing tips for pubs this Easter

Sommelier and beer educator Jane Peyton paired five beers with different types of chocolate to show how effective an offer could be in a pub.

The five beers and chocolates were: ​

• Elgood's Coolship with Divine Chocolate with Raspberries
• Erdinger Weissbier with Green & Black's White Chocolate
• Badger Ales Poacher's Choice with Valrhona Jivara Milk Chocolate
• Hogs Back Brewery Montezuma's Chocolate Lager with Montezuma's Lordy Lord
• Left Hand Brewing Nitro Milk Stout with Divine Milk Chocolate, Toffee & Sea Salt

Peyton said: "The Mayans described chocolate as the 'food of the gods' and I know a lot of people who agree with that.

"Beer and chocolate are the perfect partners. Essentially, they both have balances of bitterness and sweetness. When they're consumed together, the tastes and textures complement each other.

"Add to that the carbonation in beer, which cuts through the fattiness of the chocolate, and you've got a truly magical match."

Dea Latis, which is named after the Celtic goddess of beer, was launched in 2010 as a forum for women working in breweries, pubs or related jobs.

Several beer and food tastings are hosted by the group throughout the year. About 260 women including brewers, licensees, quality managers, trainers, writers, bloggers and beer drinkers are part of the conversation.

Experts due to speak​

Meanwhile, Peyton will form part of a panel of experts due to speak at the first Future Trends: Beer and Cider event in London on 22 June.

The summit, which is sponsored by Heineken, will look at future trends and speakers confirmed to hold sessions include the Brewers Association's president and CEO Bob Pease, top beer blogger and writer Pete Brown and analysts from CGA Strategy and Euromonitor, as well as many others.

For more information about the Future Trends: Beer and Cider event, contact Joanne Horton by email wbnaar.ubegba@jeoz.pbz​ or phone 01293 610 403.