First there was Rogue's collaboration with Voodoo Doughnuts. Then there was Catawba Brewing's Dunkin' Doughnuts infused pumpkin coffee beer. Now, Krispy Kreme is joining the ranks in beer form. Thanks to the teamwork of two Florida breweries, Tampa's Hidden Springs Ale Works and Largo's Arkane Aleworks, the world is about to be graced with a Krispy Kreme infused Russian imperial stout. Hidden Springs and Arkane Aleworks, thank you.
With so many delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts and flavors to choose from that would taste insane in a Russian imperial stout, the two breweries decided to play homage to the original and brew the beer with Krispy Kreme's classic glazed doughnut flavor. Imagine it now, a bold roast-y, chocolatey Russian imperial stout infused with a touch of sweetness from two dozen classic glazed doughnuts. Anyone beer thirsty yet?
The two breweries didn't stop there, however. In a second batch, they tossed in two dozen cream-filled doughnuts for the brewing process. While I'm partial to glazed myself, when it comes to doughnut beer I'm not biased. It sounds like the only way to settle this match is a proper taste test. It will have to be a short taste test though. These two Krispy Kreme doughnut infused imperial stouts rank in at 12.5 percent ABV, making them perfect for a winter dessert beer, or even a good beer for a Sunday brunch food pairing.
While the collaboration between the two breweries isn't exactly a collaboration with Krispy Kreme, they did receive Krispy Kreme's permission to use and market the beer with their name. And thank goodness, because a beer shutdown like AB InBev on Modist Brewing Company would make our hearts cry if the possibility of a Krispy Kreme doughnut beer could only be a one time deal. Unless someone delivered a cease and desist dressed as a doughnut. That might be worth it.
As of now, the doughnut beer still has yet to be named. The breweries still have a bit of time though as the beer isn't set to be released until next month. If you're expecting it to hit Krispy Kreme chains across the nation, I'm sad to be the bearer of bad news, but the doughnut beer will only be available on draft and in bottles at the Tampa brewery.
For those of you who can't wait or won't be able to get a taste of this beer, I recommend dunking a glazed doughnut in your favorite Russian imperial stout. It's not the same, but I'm sure it's just as good.
