Break Time Brew: Kit Kat Beer, Snackable Sip You Never Knew You Needed

Hey there, beer enthusiasts and chocolate lovers alike! Ever stumbled upon a flavor combo that sounds so wild, it just might work? Well, hold onto your taste buds, because we’re diving into the world of Kit Kat beer.

Yes, you heard that right—a beer that promises to blend the creamy, comforting sweetness of Kit Kat with the rich, nuanced world of craft brewing. It’s like someone decided to throw a party and invited both the candy aisle and the brewery.

Intrigued? So are we. This mash-up is part of a growing trend where your favorite snacks are sneaking into the brew kettle, creating sips that are anything but ordinary.

The Genesis of Kit Kat Beer

The Collaboration That Started It All

Imagine the scene: a group of brewers sitting around, munching on Kit Kats during a brainstorming session (because who doesn’t love a good snack break?), when suddenly, a lightbulb moment. “What if we put these two together?”

And thus, the concept of Kit Kat beer was born. While the exact origin story might be a bit more nuanced, the idea of merging the playful sweetness of Kit Kat with the artful craft of beer brewing feels like a match made in heaven—or at least in a very adventurous brewery.

Inspiration Behind the Blend

But why Kit Kat, of all things? Well, it’s all about pushing boundaries and exploring new horizons in the world of beer. Kit Kats, with their crisp wafers and chocolate coating, offer a familiar yet distinctive flavor that can intrigue and challenge the palate when translated into a beer.

It’s this spirit of innovation and a dash of nostalgia that fuels the fire behind creating something as whimsical as Kit Kat beer.

How Kit Kat Beer is Made

Crafting the Unthinkable

You might be wondering, “How do they even make beer taste like Kit Kat?” It’s not like you can just drop a few bars into the fermenter and call it a day (or can you?). The process is both an art and a science.

Brewers might start with a base beer that complements chocolatey notes—think stouts or porters—and then experiment with adding Kit Kat-inspired flavors. This could involve natural chocolate, cocoa nibs, or even a proprietary blend of ingredients designed to mimic that iconic Kit Kat taste.

The Secret Sauce

The key is in finding the perfect balance where the beer still tastes like, well, beer, but with a nod to the sweet, creamy essence of Kit Kat.

It’s a delicate dance between the bitterness of the hops and the sweetness of the chocolate, where each sip brings you a little bit of nostalgia wrapped in a craft beer experience.

The brewers’ secret sauce? Patience, experimentation, and a love for creating something truly out-of-the-box.

Wafers and Ale – 3 Recipes You Need to Try

Kit Kat Brew Bliss

Materials:

1. 4 Kit Kat bars (standard size)
2. 1 pint stout beer (preferably a chocolate or coffee stout)
3. 2 oz chocolate liqueur

How:

1. Chill the pint of stout beer and the chocolate liqueur in the refrigerator for at least an hour.
2. Break the Kit Kat bars into pieces and place them in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring until fully melted. Let it cool to room temperature.
3. In a beer mug, pour the stout beer, then gently stir in the chocolate liqueur.
4. Drizzle the melted Kit Kat over the top of the beer, allowing some to mix in and some to sit atop as a decorative layer.

“For those moments when dessert in a glass is the only way to satisfy your sweet tooth.”

Crisp Wafer Ale

Materials:

1. 3 Kit Kat bars (finely chopped)
2. 1 pint pale ale or amber ale
3. 1 oz hazelnut liqueur

How:

1. Combine the finely chopped Kit Kat bars with the hazelnut liqueur in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour the pale ale into a chilled glass.
3. Gently mix the Kit Kat and hazelnut liqueur blend into the pale ale, stirring until just combined.

“A crisp fusion where beer meets the unmistakable crunch of Kit Kat – because why choose between snacks and drinks?”

Midnight Kit Kat Porter

Materials:

1. 2 Kit Kat bars (crushed)
2. 1 pint porter beer
3. 2 oz coffee liqueur

How:

1. Place the crushed Kit Kat bars in a mixing bowl. Pour coffee liqueur over the crushed bars and let them soak for 10 minutes.
2. In a saucepan, gently heat the Kit Kat and coffee liqueur mixture over low heat until the chocolate is fully melted and combined with the liqueur, creating a smooth mixture.
3. Pour the porter beer into a glass, then slowly mix in the Kit Kat and coffee liqueur mixture.

“Dive into the deep end of flavor with a beer that turns night into an indulgent escapade.”

Tasting Notes: What to Expect from Kit Kat Beer

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty—what does Kit Kat beer actually taste like? Picture this: you crack open a bottle, and the aroma hits you first.

It’s a blend of roasted malts with a hint of chocolate sweetness, kind of like walking into a bakery early in the morning, but instead, it’s your pint glass greeting you with a warm hello.

A Symphony of Flavors

Taking the first sip, the initial taste might surprise you. It’s beer, no doubt, with its familiar hoppy bitterness, but then comes the twist—a smooth, chocolatey wave that’s unmistakably Kit Kat. It’s not like drinking liquid candy.

Instead, it’s a grown-up version of your childhood favorite, sophisticated yet playful, with layers of flavor that unfold as the beer warms up. The mouthfeel is smooth, perhaps with a slight creaminess, and it finishes on a note that’s both sweet and satisfyingly bitter.

How It Stacks Up

Comparing Kit Kat beer to traditional and other flavored beers, it’s definitely more on the adventurous side. It’s not your everyday lager or IPA; it’s something for those days when you’re feeling a bit daring or just want a change of pace.

For fans of dessert stouts or coffee porters, Kit Kat beer might just be your next favorite experiment.

Pros and Cons of Kit Kat Beer

As with any bold culinary venture, Kit Kat beer has its cheerleaders and its skeptics. Let’s break down the pros and cons.

Pros

• Novelty: It’s a conversation starter. Bring a pack to a party, and you’ve got an instant icebreaker.
• Unique Flavor Combo: It appeals to those who love both beer and chocolate (a sizable crowd, for sure).
• Craftsmanship: It showcases the creativity and skill of brewers willing to push the envelope.

Cons

• Niche Appeal: It might be too out there for traditionalists or those with a more conservative palate.
• Sweetness Factor: Depending on execution, the sweetness can be a bit much for those who prefer their beer more on the bitter or hoppy side.
• Availability: Being a specialty product, it might not be as readily available as your go-to six-pack.

Kit Kat Chocolate Stout Homebrew Recipe

Batch Size: 5 gallons (about 19 liters)

Malt:

1. 8 lbs (3.6 kg) Pale Malt (2-row)
2. 1 lb (0.45 kg) Chocolate Malt
3. 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) Caramel/Crystal Malt – 80L
4. 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) Munich Malt
5. 0.25 lb (0.11 kg) Black Patent Malt

Hops: 1 oz (28 g) Fuggle Hops (for bittering, 60-minute boil)

Additional:

1. 8 Kit Kat bars (standard size, crushed)
2. 1 lb (0.45 kg) Lactose (milk sugar, added during the last 15 minutes of boil)
3. 1 oz (28 g) Cocoa nibs (add during secondary fermentation)

Yeast: 1 packet English Ale Yeast (e.g., Wyeast 1098 British Ale or Safale S-04)

Instructions:

1. Mash: Heat 3.5 gallons (about 13.25 liters) of water to 165°F (74°C). Add all malt to the mash tun and mix thoroughly. Stabilize the mash temperature at 152°F (67°C) and hold for 60 minutes. After the mash, sparge with 170°F (77°C) water to collect 6.5 gallons (about 24.6 liters) of wort.
2. Boil: Bring the wort to a boil and follow this hop schedule: Add 1 oz of Fuggle hops at the beginning of a 60-minute boil. With 15 minutes left in the boil, add the lactose and crushed Kit Kat bars, ensuring they are fully dissolved and mixed in.
3. Fermentation: Cool the wort to 68°F (20°C) as rapidly as possible and transfer to your fermenter. Pitch the yeast once the wort has reached the correct temperature. Allow the beer to ferment at 68°F (20°C) until the fermentation activity appears to stop, typically around one to two weeks.
4. Secondary Fermentation: Transfer the beer to a secondary fermenter and add the cocoa nibs. Allow it to age for an additional two weeks, which will help develop the chocolate flavor and clear the beer.
5. Bottling: After secondary fermentation, prepare for bottling by priming with sugar (use a priming sugar calculator to determine the exact amount needed based on your batch size and desired carbonation level). Bottle the beer and allow it to carbonate in the bottles for at least two weeks before enjoying.
6. Enjoying: Chill your Sweet Harmony Stout to about 45-50°F (7-10°C) for the best tasting experience. Pour into a pint glass, leaving the sediment in the bottle, and enjoy the unique blend of chocolate, malt, and the subtle hint of Kit Kat.

Remember, homebrewing is as much an art as it is a science. Feel free to tweak the recipe to suit your taste!

Ratings and Consumer Reactions

Curious about what the internet at large thinks of Kit Kat beer? Let’s dive into the world of web ratings and see how this quirky brew is holding up in the court of public opinion.

The Buzz Online

Feedback on Kit Kat beer ranges from ecstatic to skeptical, but one thing’s for sure—it’s getting people talking. Online beer forums and social media platforms feature lively discussions, with many praising the innovative approach and enjoyable taste.

Ratings on beer review sites are generally positive, with particular commendation for the beer’s ability to balance the chocolate flavor without overpowering the beer’s essence.

Real Talk from Real People

Quotes from consumers often highlight the surprise and delight of tasting something so unexpected yet familiar. “It’s like my two favorite things had a delicious baby,” one reviewer exclaimed.

Another noted, “I was skeptical at first, but it’s actually really well balanced.” Of course, there are those who haven’t been swayed, with some comments pointing out that it’s “a bit too gimmicky” or “not my cup of tea…or beer, rather.”

Pairing Suggestions with Kit Kat Beer

Diving into a bottle of Kit Kat beer is an adventure, and like any good adventure, it’s even better when you have the right companions. So, what goes well with a brew that dances the line between sweet and malty?

Let’s get creative and think beyond the bar snacks.

Sweet Meets Savory

First up, let’s talk cheese. A creamy brie or a sharp cheddar can contrast beautifully with the chocolatey notes of Kit Kat beer, creating a flavor explosion that’s both unexpected and delightful.

The creaminess of the cheese smooths out the beer’s bitterness, while its savory notes highlight the chocolate’s sweetness.

Dessert or Starter?

For those with a sweet tooth, pairing Kit Kat beer with dessert is a no-brainer. Imagine a rich, gooey brownie or a slice of cheesecake. The beer’s chocolate notes will amplify the dessert’s sweetness, creating a harmonious blend that feels like a cozy hug.

But who says sweet pairings should have all the fun? A spicy plate of buffalo wings or a savory BBQ dish can set off fireworks when paired with the subtle sweetness of Kit Kat beer, proving that contrasts really do attract.

Perfect Occasions

Kit Kat beer isn’t your average Friday night beer—it’s a special occasion brew. It’s perfect for themed parties, dessert nights, or as a novel gift for that friend who loves trying new and unusual products.

Its unique profile also makes it a great conversation starter at tastings or beer pairing dinners.

FAQs about Kit Kat Beer

As we dive deeper into the world of Kit Kat beer, a few questions naturally bubble up to the surface. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions, giving you the inside scoop on this intriguing beverage.

1. What inspired the creation of Kit Kat beer?

The drive to innovate and blend the comforting world of sweets with the complex art of brewing led to this delicious experiment. It’s a creative endeavor to push the boundaries of traditional beer flavors and offer something truly unique.

2. Can you taste the chocolate in Kit Kat beer?

Absolutely! While it’s balanced with the beer’s maltiness and hoppy notes, the chocolate flavor is unmistakable, giving Kit Kat beer its signature twist.

3. What type of beer is used as the base for Kit Kat beer?

Typically, a darker beer such as a stout or porter serves as the foundation, providing the perfect backdrop for the chocolate and wafer flavors to shine.

4. Where can I buy Kit Kat beer?

Kit Kat beer is usually found in specialty beer shops, online craft beer marketplaces, or directly from the breweries that produce them. Its availability can vary, so it’s worth checking with local retailers or beer-focused social media groups for leads.

5. How should Kit Kat beer be served for optimal flavor?

Serving it slightly chilled, but not too cold, allows the complex flavors to fully emerge. Think cellar temperature, around 55°F (13°C), to let the chocolate and malt notes express themselves.

6. Is Kit Kat beer a seasonal offering?

It can be, depending on the brewery. Some may release it as a limited edition or seasonal special, especially around holidays or special events.

7. Are there any other chocolate-inspired beers available?

Yes, the world of craft beer is full of chocolate-inspired brews, ranging from chocolate stouts to porters infused with cacao nibs. Kit Kat beer is part of a broader trend celebrating the beloved combo of chocolate and beer.

8. How does Kit Kat beer compare to traditional craft beers?

It’s a unique offering that stands out for its novelty and flavor profile. While it might not replace your go-to IPA or lager, it’s a fun diversion that adds richness and variety to the craft beer landscape.

9. Is Kit Kat beer suitable for those who don’t typically enjoy beer?

It could be, especially if they have a penchant for chocolate. The sweet twist on the traditional beer flavor might just win over some non-beer drinkers.

10. What are the alcohol content and nutritional facts of Kit Kat beer?

The alcohol content and nutritional details can vary by brewer, but generally, it aligns with other craft beers in the same category. Always check the label for specific information.

The Future of Flavored Beers

As we wrap up our journey into the sweet, malty world of Kit Kat beer, it’s clear that the horizon for flavored beers is as broad and inviting as ever. With each inventive brew, crafters are not just pushing the envelope—they’re redesigning it.

From dessert-inspired sips to botanical blends, the future of flavored beers looks bright, diverse, and deliciously unpredictable.

Kit Kat beer is more than just a novelty; it’s a symbol of the creativity and passion that fuels the craft beer industry. As brewers continue to explore and consumers remain open to new experiences, we can expect to see even more imaginative brews gracing our glasses.

So here’s to the innovators, the enthusiasts, and the curious souls—may your next beer adventure be as exciting as a Kit Kat beer.

Conclusion

In wrapping up our exploration of Kit Kat beer, it’s clear we’ve ventured far beyond the ordinary, crossing the threshold into a realm where the boundaries between confectionery delight and craft brewing mastery blur.

Kit Kat beer isn’t just a beverage; it’s a bold statement in the ever-evolving narrative of craft beer, a testament to the creativity and adventurous spirit of brewers and drinkers alike.

This whimsical brew serves as a reminder that innovation in the craft beer world knows no bounds. From the initial spark of inspiration to the meticulous crafting process, and finally, to the moment of taste that blends nostalgia with novelty, Kit Kat beer exemplifies the joy of discovery. It challenges preconceptions, inviting us to rethink what beer can be and to embrace the new and unexpected with open minds and palates.

As we look to the future, the landscape of flavored beers appears more vibrant than ever. With each new release, craft brewers push the envelope further, offering an array of tastes and experiences that promise to captivate and surprise. Whether you’re a steadfast purist or a curious explorer, the world of craft beer has something for everyone, with offerings as diverse as the individuals who enjoy them.

So, here’s to the innovators, the dreamers, the brewers who dare to imagine a beer flavored with the essence of a beloved chocolate bar. Kit Kat beer is more than a novelty; it’s a bridge between worlds, a celebration of creativity, and a delicious reminder that, in the realm of craft beer, the possibilities are as limitless as our capacity for enjoyment.