MELISSA FUCHS
Special to the Leader
As a college student, it’s always good to treat yourself along the course of the semester. This is especially true when you’ve tackled some of the bigger assignments or when you just need a pick-me-up.
Going to EBC, in my eyes, is a treat enough. EBC has some of the most delicious food the Fredonia area has to offer, and when I’m in the mood, I love pairing it with one of their creative brews.
I always strive to support local businesses when I can, and it’s a heartwarming feeling to know you’re showing some love to your community and the people who put their all into giving something for the community to enjoy.
Out of all the places in Fredonia to enjoy a beer, EBC is absolutely my favorite. It’s the Goldilocks situation for me — not too loud, not too cramped and absolutely welcoming with the aesthetically-pleasing details inside that can allow you to properly enjoy your meal and/or brew.
Honestly, visiting EBC West is a sensory adventure — there’s always something new and exciting for your taste buds to discover.
For this venture, I tried out the Chocolate Cherry Bomb. It’s described on the beer menu as “An imperial stout brewed w/ chocolate malt, dark sweet cherries, & love.”
It’s worth noting that I do not claim to be a beer expert by any means, but rather a novice who enjoys the occasional beer to unwind.
As noted on the beer menu, this imperial stout has an ABV (alcohol by volume) of 8.2 percent while its IBV, or international bitterness units, rang in at 32.
I, generally speaking, go with lighter beers, but being my first foray in stouts, this is definitely the way to dip your feet in the water.
I was a little nervous about the cherry aspect because I’ve had my share of good and bad cherry-flavored drinks (I’m looking at you, Starbucks’ Cherry Mocha), but it’s safe to say I was pleasantly surprised by this gem.
After taking a few sips, I couldn’t help being reminded of cherry tootsie pops, but it also made me think of cherry cordials for its perfect marriage of a dark bitter chocolate and cherry taste.
The aroma of this brew for me is also somewhat reminiscent of a tootsie roll, while in appearance it has a reddish-brown hue.
What better way to show yourself some love this Valentine’s Day and, in the words of “Parks and Recreation,” “treat yo self,” than with the sweet taste of this stout brew from EBC West?
I think it’s safe to say The Runaways might even enjoy Chocolate Cherry Bomb for it’s sweet and rich fusion. This is one cherry bomb you want to rock your taste buds and try before this seasonal brew goes back into hibernation.
This sweet brew gets released around January in time for the holidays and is available until March or April.
Keep those Russell Stovers chocolates in their box and fill a glass with EBC West’s Chocolate Cherry Bomb Imperial Stout for a real chocolate treat for your sweet tooth to savor.
