
Ep. 35: David Nilsen and The Art and Science of Pairing Craft Beer and Chocolate
10/18/24 • 56 min
David Nilsen, the mind behind "Pairing Beer and Chocolate," joins the BeerWise podcast and takes us on a flavor journey, challenging preconceived notions of traditional pairings. Discover how David’s unique path, from hosting a pairing series to launching his podcast, Bean to Barstool, led him to unravel the rich tapestry of flavors found in the unlikely union of craft beer and chocolate. Together, we peel back the layers of complexity in these pairings, blending science, culture, and taste in a way that flips conventional wisdom on its head.
Navigating the flavorful landscape of beer and chocolate isn't always smooth sailing. Thanks to the bitter-sweet interplay these two robust ingredients bring to the table, we dissect why some pairings soar while others sputter. From palate fatigue to balancing bitterness with sweetness, the art of pairing becomes both a challenge and a passion, sparking newfound insights into familiar processes. Let our personal rating system guide you through this gustatory adventure—one that might just inspire you to explore your own culinary curiosities.
In the rapidly expanding world of craft chocolate, parallels to the craft beer boom are impossible to ignore. We explore the evolving narrative of this burgeoning industry, where strategic collaborations and storytelling are as essential as the cacao itself. Featuring tales of chocolate-beer fusion from places like French Broad Chocolates, we illustrate how these gourmet endeavors are more than mere trends—they're a celebration of authenticity and craftsmanship. Tune in to find out how the intersection of beer, chocolate, and curiosity-driven careers offers a rich, layered experience waiting to be savored.
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Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.
Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.
Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.
If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.
For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
David Nilsen, the mind behind "Pairing Beer and Chocolate," joins the BeerWise podcast and takes us on a flavor journey, challenging preconceived notions of traditional pairings. Discover how David’s unique path, from hosting a pairing series to launching his podcast, Bean to Barstool, led him to unravel the rich tapestry of flavors found in the unlikely union of craft beer and chocolate. Together, we peel back the layers of complexity in these pairings, blending science, culture, and taste in a way that flips conventional wisdom on its head.
Navigating the flavorful landscape of beer and chocolate isn't always smooth sailing. Thanks to the bitter-sweet interplay these two robust ingredients bring to the table, we dissect why some pairings soar while others sputter. From palate fatigue to balancing bitterness with sweetness, the art of pairing becomes both a challenge and a passion, sparking newfound insights into familiar processes. Let our personal rating system guide you through this gustatory adventure—one that might just inspire you to explore your own culinary curiosities.
In the rapidly expanding world of craft chocolate, parallels to the craft beer boom are impossible to ignore. We explore the evolving narrative of this burgeoning industry, where strategic collaborations and storytelling are as essential as the cacao itself. Featuring tales of chocolate-beer fusion from places like French Broad Chocolates, we illustrate how these gourmet endeavors are more than mere trends—they're a celebration of authenticity and craftsmanship. Tune in to find out how the intersection of beer, chocolate, and curiosity-driven careers offers a rich, layered experience waiting to be savored.
______________________________________________________________
Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.
Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.
Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.
If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.
For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
Previous Episode

Ep. 34: Vic Falck, Geordi Rauch, & Jason Thompson of Calusa Brewing Company
In this episode, Mark is joined by Geordi Rauch, Vic Falck, & Jason Thompson of Calusa Brewing. Calusa Brewing is a powerhouse in the Sarasota area – the brewery that always seems to have something new and something traditional on tap. In this episode, the guys discuss the origins of Calusa, opening day, and leaving the original taproom on Derek Ave for their new digs on McIntosh Road in Sarasota in early 2024.
This episode was recorded in February of 2024 when the brewery had recently opened the new taproom.
Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.
Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.
Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.
If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.
For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
Next Episode

Ep. 36: Wayne Wambles of Griffon & Sphynx Brewing Company
Wayne Wambles, the founding brewer of Cigar City Brewing, joins us for an engaging conversation that promises an enlightening exploration of the craft beer world. Wayne talks us through his career from his beginnings in Dothan, Alabama, to becoming synonymous with Tampa's beer scene. Hear about his journey through unique legal hurdles and professional challenges, all the way to his innovative work at Griffin and Sphinx in Brevard, North Carolina. It's a story of passion, resilience, and the enduring allure of brewing.
The episode talks about Wayne's creative process in crafting beers like Hunahpu's Imperial Stout and Jai Alai IPA. Experience the evolution of these beers and the pivotal moments that have shaped his career. Wayne shares insights into the delicate balancing act of brewing—where market demands meet personal standards meet innovative ideas meet traditional brewing techniques, speaking about flexibility and innovation in a rapidly changing industry.
Finally, we turn our focus to the excitement and challenges of launching Griffin and Sphinx. Wayne opens up about the joy of starting small, the thrill of homebrewing, and how these experiences have shaped his current venture. We discuss the brewery's commitment to quality, the innovation of low-alcohol beers, and Wayne's current favorites like a unique Irish red ale. This episode is a rich tapestry of brewing philosophy, growth, and the pursuit of crafting beers that are both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
______________________________________________________________
Please remember to like, subscribe, and follow BeerWise on your favorite podcast platform, so you don’t miss an episode. Also, please remember to review the show on your favorite podcast platform to help us reach new audiences.
Florida Beer News and this podcast are now on PATREON! I have begun new fundraising efforts for the website and podcast in hopes of making some updates and changes. Check out patreon dot com slash Florida Beer News spelled out for information on how you and your business can help fuel our growth and get some cool rewards.
Thanks for joining us in the journey of the BeerWise Podcast, hosted by Mark DeNote – editor of Florida Beer News.
If you like the podcast, please tell someone. If you have constructive feedback or a guest you’d like to hear on the show, please email mark at floridabeernews dot com or follow the “Contact Us” link on the Florida Beer News website.
For more episodes, follow Florida Beer News on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and your favorite podcast platform!
BeerWise Podcast - Ep. 35: David Nilsen and The Art and Science of Pairing Craft Beer and Chocolate
Transcript
Hello and welcome back to the BeerWise podcast . This is the podcast that looks at what's going on in the world beer-wise .
Speaker 1Hello and welcome back to the BeerWise podcast . I'm your host , mark Deneau , and I'm the editor of Florida Beer News .
Speaker 1When I read the book Pairing Beer and Chocola
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