Virginia Craft Beverage Pairings

Virginia Wines: Barboursville Vineyards “Paxxito” (Passito-style dessert wine) A luscious honeyed finish with hints of apricot and almond perfectly complements the brownie’s caramel brittle ganache and nutty richness. Early Mountain “Eluvium” (Bordeaux blend) Soft tannins and notes of cocoa and dried cherry echo the dark chocolate and roasted peanut flavors, elevating the dessert’s depth.

Virginia Craft Beers: Hardywood Park Gingerbread Stout (Richmond, VA) A Virginia holiday classic, its layers of molasses, vanilla, and cinnamon resonate beautifully with the ganache and cornmeal’s rustic sweetness. The Veil Brewing Co. “Velvet Glow” Milk Stout Silky and slightly sweet, with espresso and cocoa tones that blend seamlessly with the brownie’s fudgy heart.

Virginia Ciders: Blue Bee Cider “Hewe’s Crab” Crisp, tart, and elegantly dry, this cider’s acidity cuts through the richness of the chocolate and butter while enhancing the peanut’s savor.  Bold Rock “Virginia Apple”, clean and approachable, a bright counterpoint to the dessert’s caramel glaze.

Virginia Distilled Spirits: Catoctin Creek Roundstone Rye (Purcellville, VA) Vanilla, spice, and toasted oak mirror the brittle’s caramelized sweetness, an indulgent after-dinner pairing. A. Smith Bowman “Small Batch Bourbon” (Fredericksburg, VA) Soft, toffee-forward character harmonizes with chocolate and cornmeal in a way that feels like liquid praline.