Booze and fudge. What else is there to say except yes, please? Here are six fudge flavors we love to pair with Northern Michigan beers and wines.
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FUDGE & WINE PAIRINGS
Kasey Wierzba, the executive winemaker and general manager at Shady Lane Cellars in Suttons Bay, shares her team’s three go-to pairings:
2020 Pinot Noir Reserve + Chocolate Sea Salt Caramel
“This was a lovely duo because the saltiness paired well with the lighter tannins in the pinot noir. The wine’s bright red fruit flavors also gave the chocolate a brighter, more vibrant flavor.”
2020 Pomeranz + Cherry Chunk
“Pomeranz is our orange, skin-fermented riesling. The dried fruit flavors of the wine brought out the richer dried cherry used in the fudge, and the dry acidity cuts the sugar of the fudge, keeping the flavors fresh.”
2021 Pinot Noir Rosé + Chocolate English Walnut
“The rosé’s fresh strawberry aromas and flavors brought out the fruitier side of the chocolate, and the walnuts went nicely with the slight tannin. The clean finish of the wine kept the richness of the fudge in balance.”
Read Next: Shady Lane Cellars Winemaker Kasey Wierzba is Making Seriously Good Rosé
FUDGE & BEER PAIRINGS
Bière de Mac Brew Works in Mackinaw City sits in the heart of fudge country. General manager/brewer Danny Ranville tells us what’s good.
Russian Imperial Stout, Winne the Bulldog + Vanilla
“The best way to describe this beer is liquid dark chocolate. It’s rich with roasted overtones and a strong hop back. Coming in at 9% ABV, our Russian imperial stout is perfect for sipping while enjoying a sweet treat.”
Belgian Golden Strong Ale, Devil’s Kitchen + Peanut Butter
“This pairs well with any stronger flavored fudge like peanut butter or maple pecan, as it’s a clean, easy-drinking beer with a high enough ABV to enjoy as a dessert drink.”
Latvian Farmhouse Ale, Janis the Eagle + Your Favorite Flavor
“Janis is a fantastic choice as it has a dry finish but is complex enough to complement any fudge flavor.”