This week I received a bottle of Chocolate Stout from Double Mountain Brewery, the new seasonal collaboration with Ranger Chocolate Company. Not only is it the brewery’s final seasonal release of 2020, but it’s a new style of refillable bottle; still 500ml, but taller and thinner than the previous ones. “BottleDrop” is also embossed in the glass on the bottle. I don’t know if this is the new style the brewery is using moving forward or just for this beer.

Ranger Chocolate is a Portland-based chocolatier that makes a variety of chocolate products as well as granola. Ranger has collaborated with coffee roasters and others, so beer is a natural next step.

Here’s the accompanying press release:

Double Mountain Brewery & Cidery’s final seasonal of 2020 coincides with the arrival of colder temps, shorter days, flannel shirts, and the end of a wild year. This delectable Chocolate Stout will add some comfort to your palate with a touch of sweetness making you think of powder days and good things to come. Brewed in collaboration with Ranger Chocolate Co., this smooth stout is perfect for cooler days. Notes of dark bread, baking chocolate, molasses, and dark fruit lead into a dry finish. The Double Mountain and Ranger collaboration Chocolate Stout is available in refillable 500ml bottles and on draft at our Hood River Taproom, SE Portland Taproom in the Woodstock neighborhood, and at fine establishments throughout the Northwest.

Chocolate Stout 6.8% ABV 55 BU
“Yes, we put cocoa in it, and yes, it tastes chocolaty but first and foremost it is a stout. My hope for this beer was that you would want to drink several of them—and maybe be motivated to do a little snow dance.” Jen House, Brewer and Barrel Aging Master

REDUCE, REUSE, REPEAT!
With news appearing throughout media outlets on the shortcomings of recycling and OPB reporting that Oregon recycling is on the decline, we determined that there is no better time than the present to share the information on why to choose refillable bottles. Complimenting this delicious experimental series, each beer’s label highlights the benefits of using refillable bottles. The carbon footprint of refillable bottles is vastly lower than other container choices, making it the best container for the environment. Add the benefit of reduced oxidation, and refillable bottles are better for the beer too. Reduce, Reuse, Repeat, a solid mantra, not only for refillable bottles but containers in general.

About Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery:
Double Mountain Brewery and Cidery was established in 2007 in the heart of downtown Hood River, OR. Founder, Matt Swihart, opened the brewery with a clear mission: make great beer for craft beer fans. The unique location of Double Mountain provides the use of pure and clean glacial water for beers and ciders, while also taking advantage of regionally grown hops. Reusable bottles allow customers to partake in a softer environmental footprint, affirming they are part of a sustainable future. Double Mountain may be found on tap and in bottles throughout the Pacific Northwest and British Columbia.

No details on what type of chocolate was used, or how, though a common method is to incorporate cocoa nibs. Looking forward to trying it and will report on my findings.