Everyone knows that chocolate and wine is a match made in perfect palate heaven. However, with all the breweries popping up in Coastal Virginia, we’re feeling a little hoppy this Valentine’s Day and decided to go a deliciously different route. Here are three local brews that go great with three decadent desserts to enjoy with your valentine (or keep for yourself—we won’t judge).
Doughnut with Coffee Stout
Coffee and doughnuts—another perfect pairing. Sink your teeth into this soft, pillowy, chocolate-glazed, cherry-topped doughnut from Sugar Plum Bakery, and then take a smooth sip of Alewerks’ Coffeehouse Stout, a winter seasonal milk stout presenting flavors of coffee, cocoa, milk, sugar and roasted malt all wrapped in a smooth, full-bodied sip. If only that bottle was large enough for dunking.
Chocolate Truffles with Oud Bruin
A sour beer may not be the first thing you’d think to pair with chocolate truffles, but let us persuade you. Penthesilia is Commonwealth Brewing Company’s red wine barrel-aged Oud Bruin, refermented on a ton and a half of whole dates and tart cherries, boasting decadent toffee and cherry notes swirling with sour flair. The red wine, date and cherry profile is just bold enough to stand up to a splendidly divine truffle from The Royal Chocolate.
Truffle selection: Black and White, Strawberry, Black Forest Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, Raspberry Birnn Chocolates of Vermont, Vanilla, Champagne, Tiramisu
Red Velvet Cupcake with Old Ale
Ruby beer with ruby cupcakes? Well, it just makes sense. O’Connor Brewing releases their Whiskey Barrel-Aged Jamestown Island Old Ale in January, just in time for Valentine treats, like this beautifully decorated Farm Fresh cupcake. The cupcake’s sugary frosting and cocoa notes meld into the complex flavors and aromas of dark fruits and a hint of smoke found in this beloved beer.
Find It Local
Commonwealth Brewing Company
2444 Pleasure House Rd., Virginia Beach
757-305-9652
Farm Fresh
Multiple locations
O’Connor Brewing Company
211 W 24th St., Norfolk
757-623-2337
Sugar Plum Bakery
1353 Laskin Rd., Virginia Beach
757-422-3913
The Royal Chocolate
164 Central Park Ave., Virginia Beach
757-557-6925
Individual Birnn Truffles are $1.69 each; Le Grand Truffles are $2.99 each. Gift boxed assortments: 8-piece Birnn $13.50; 12-piece Birnn $20.25; 6-piece LeGrand $17.95; 12-piece LeGrand $35.95
Williamsburg Alewerks
189-B Ewell Rd., Williamsburg
757-220-3670
Angela Blue
Angela Blue has served as editor-in-chief for multiple lifestyle publications and copy editor for several cultural institutions and nonprofits. A seasoned writer, she enjoys sharing stories that spark curiosity and build connections. Angela lives in Norfolk with her husband and two kids and enjoys reading, running, cooking, and spending time on the Lafayette River.
