As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can confirm that chocolate porter does indeed have chocolate in it. However, it's important to note that the chocolate flavor in a chocolate porter is not achieved by simply adding melted chocolate into the beer brewing process. Instead, the chocolate flavor is typically achieved through the use of specialty malts and other ingredients that mimic the flavors and aromas of chocolate.
In the case of the Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter, Yuengling and Hershey's have collaborated to create a unique and delicious beer that combines the flavors of Yuengling's Dark Brewed Porter with the original taste of Hershey's Chocolate. This collaboration brings together two iconic Pennsylvania brands to create a porter that has hints of roasted malts and a rich chocolate finish.
To achieve the chocolate flavor in this porter, Yuengling and Hershey's likely used a combination of specialty malts that have been roasted to bring out chocolaty flavors. These malts may include chocolate malt, which is a type of malt that has been roasted to give it a dark color and a rich, chocolatey flavor. Other malts, such as roasted barley or black patent malt, may also be used to enhance the chocolate character.
In addition to specialty malts, other ingredients may have been used to further enhance the chocolate flavor. For example, cocoa nibs or cocoa powder may have been added during the brewing process to add an extra layer of chocolate complexity. These ingredients are typically added during the mashing or boiling stages of the brewing process to extract the flavors and aromas of chocolate.
It's worth noting that different breweries may have their own unique methods and recipes for creating chocolate porters. Some breweries may choose to use actual chocolate in their brewing process, while others may rely solely on specialty malts and other ingredients to achieve the desired chocolate flavor. The specific techniques used can greatly impact the final flavor profile of the beer.
In my personal experience, I have had the opportunity to taste a variety of chocolate porters from different breweries. Each one had its own distinct chocolate flavor, ranging from subtle hints of chocolate to more pronounced and decadent chocolate notes. The use of specialty malts and other ingredients played a significant role in creating these flavors, resulting in a beer that truly captured the essence of chocolate.
While chocolate porter does contain chocolate flavor, it is important to understand that this flavor is achieved through the careful selection and use of specialty malts and other ingredients, rather than simply adding melted chocolate into the beer. The Yuengling Hershey's Chocolate Porter is a great example of how two iconic brands have come together to create a deliciously smooth porter with the perfect balance of roasted malts and rich chocolate finish.