Rubus Cacao By MadTree Brewing
That time of year is almost here, you know the time when love is in the air or something like that. But it’s also the time of year when we get to fall in love all over again with MadTree Brewing Rubus Cacao.
Not all stouts are created equal and it becomes even more complicated when you start adding in adjunct flavors. So let’s take a look at what to expect from this chocolate raspberry stout.
Review Of MadTree Brewing Rubus Cacao
MadTree Brewing has grown into a massive local brewery in Cincinnati, Ohio. Just about a year ago, they moved into their new facility which gave them tons more brewing capacity, taproom space and event spaces.
But that doesn’t mean they’ve forgotten who they are. The culture they created a handful of years ago continues and so do the amazing beers.
And Rubus Cacao is one of those great beers they’ve continued to give their fans.
This stout is made with cocoa nibs and raspberries and weighs in at 7% ABV and 12 IBUs. You’ll find it in 6 packs for around $12 during the early part of the year.
Here is how MadTree Brewing describes it:
Sweet chocolate notes lead as raspberry tartness follows in unison resembling a perfectly executed dance. The result is a blend of flavors even more spectacular together than apart. It’s love at first sip.
Initial Thoughts
From year to year, you may find that seasonal beers can change. That shouldn’t be too surprising as breweries are always tinkering with recipes to improve them.
In addition, when using ingredients like cocoa nibs and raspberries, their impact can vary depending on a number of factors. With that in mind, I am always anxious to see how it may have changed or if they were able to match the previous year’s batch.
Rubus Cacao pours a deep black color with a dark red hue around the edges when it’s held up to light.
It produces a medium tan head which helps release the aromatics of chocolate and raspberry.
From the very second you pour it, you know that it’s going to be a decadent beer.
Tasting Notes
Since I’ve had this beer in the past, I knew what to expect so I was prepared to get chocolate and raspberry.
And I that is exactly what I got.
What is really intriguing about the flavor is it has the full range of flavor from both the chocolate and raspberry. The raspberries provide both sweet and tart notes. The chocolate does the same as I get some bitter, dark chocolate as well as some semi-sweet.
This balance is what makes this beer really standout. Nothing is overdone. It is decadent but in a very subtle, relaxed way.
Final Thoughts
To me, this year’s Rubus Cacao has more dark chocolate than past years and maybe a touch more raspberry too.
It may be the perfect beer to endure the final days of winter or share with someone on Valentine’s Day. Either way, I recommend checking out this seasonal beer before it’s gone.
I’m a big fan of this one and have had a hard time finding another chocolate raspberry stout that compares.
Conculsion
There are lots of stouts with chocolate and fruit flavors added but few are as tasty as this one.
I am a huge fan of MadTree; especially their seasonal releases and this is no exception.
Did you read my write up on Thundersnow I did for PorchDrinking.com?
If you are in the Cincinnati area, go get this one while you can. If you aren’t, then see if your local breweries offer a chocolate raspberry stout. Hopefully it is as good as this one.
Or if you are a home brewer, you can download the recipe and make it yourself.
Either way, get your hands on a chocolate raspberry stout.
