Genesee Brewery Launches New Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter

The Genesee Brewery

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Genesee announced it will release its hugely popular small-batch beer, Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter, in four-pack bottles just in time for the holiday season. The brew is the latest addition to the Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch series, a collection of beers originally crafted on a 20-barrel pilot system. Now, the decadent porter will be available to consumers throughout the Northeast, including Cleveland and Pittsburgh.

Dean Jones, Brewmaster at the Genesee Brew House, once again teamed up with Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, a nationally-recognized boutique chocolatier, to source the finest chocolate for the English Style Porter. “We wanted to offer the craft beer drinker a true indulgence. The resulting brew offers a complex flavor profile featuring a rich caramel aroma and flavors that are balanced by a dark chocolate bittersweet finish.”

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter was first introduced in 2014 in Rochester, NY in extremely limited quantity and only on draft. At its release, the beer received such an overwhelming response from consumers it sold out at the Genesee Brew House in just seven hours.

“Instantly, the beer created a social media firestorm,” said Carrie Duggan, brand manager for Genesee. “Craft beer lovers began sharing positive reviews and tracking and posting where our porter could be found on tap. Local bar managers were calling the beer a game changer for Genesee, and it quickly became just that.”

Based on its overwhelming popularity, Dean has worked to bring this small-batch beer to a wider audience, while keeping the same taste Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter fans know and love. “In brewing, you can’t just multiply a recipe and expect it to work. Brewing beer is an art and science. This porter has been perfected, and we’re really excited for craft beer drinkers to bring it into their homes and give it a try.”

To find Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter, use the online beer finder. Other Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch beers include the year-round Scotch Ale and seasonal Imperial Black IPA. Both beers exceeded sales goals and generated strong consumer demand. Where available, the Pilot Batch Scotch Ale is currently the number one selling Scotch Ale and the Pilot Batch Imperial Black IPA is the number one selling Imperial Black IPA, and among the top five Imperial IPAs.*

“The Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch series is the result of combining innovation with experience,” said Mike Mueller, Brewmaster for Genesee. “As the oldest brewery in New York State, we have one of the most experienced brewing staffs in the beer industry. Combine that with creativity and a state-of-the-art brewing system, and you create something really special.”

About the Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter

Like each beer in The Genesee Brew House Pilot Batch series, Jones originally brewed the Salted Caramel Chocolate Porter on the Brew House’s 20-barrel pilot system. When sourcing the best quality chocolate to round out the decadent porter, he recruited Jennifer Posey, founder and owner of Hedonist Artisan Chocolates. The resulting small-batch brew is a silky smooth, elegant English Style Porter with a complex flavor profile featuring a rich caramel aroma and flavors that are balanced by a dark chocolate bittersweet finish. 

“Each piece of Hedonist Artisan Chocolate is rolled, cut, dipped and decorated by hand, in small quantities,” says Jennifer. “This concept aligned perfectly with Dean’s original vision for a small-batch, English-style porter that was so decadent that it was meant to be savored. It’s so rewarding that consumers have responded so well to our collaboration. I couldn’t be more excited to see the porter rolled out across the country. “

About The Genesee Brew House

Once a century-old packaging center, The Genesee Brew House transformed a 9,200 square-foot space into a world class beer destination. The first floor of the Brew House features interactive exhibits, multi-media content, a retail shop and a pilot brewery complete with a tasting bar. Upstairs, there is a pub-style restaurant with a 41-foot bar (hand-crafted out of old, wooden Genesee brewing tanks), outdoor terrace seating and a rooftop patio.

The Genesee Brew House tells a story of the Genesee Brewing Company that dates back to 1878. The brewery lays claim to being the oldest and one of the longest continually operating breweries in the United States. By using an eclectic mix of vintage barrels, reclaimed wood, exposed ceiling, neon signs, new technology and modern exhibits, The Brew House will bring Genesee’s story alive for generations to come.

About Hedonist Artisan Chocolates

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates hand crafts truffles and chocolate treats with French chocolate and fresh, natural ingredients. Each piece of Hedonist chocolate has its own character because it is rolled, cut, dipped and decorated by human hands in small batches. A hedonist is someone whose life is devoted to the pursuit of sensual pleasures. Owner Jennifer Posey and the staff find bliss in chocolate and hope to help you do the same.

Hedonist Artisan Chocolates are available for purchase at the retail location at 674 South Avenue or online at www.hedonistchocolates.com. For more information about Hedonist Artisan Chocolates, visit www.hedonistchocolates.com or call (585) 461-2815. 

About The Genesee Brewery

Based in Rochester and established in 1878, the Genesee Brewery is the oldest brewery in New York State, and is part of North American Breweries. The brewery makes the classic Genesee line of beers, Original Honey Brown Lager and Dundee Ales & Lagers family of craft beers. The Genesee Brewery also manufactures beer and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages under contracts on behalf of other companies. In 2010, the Genesee Brewery earned AIB Certification, a global food safety organization widely recognized in the food and beverage industry. For more information: Genesee Brewery Newsroom.