ingredients

Maybe it’s time to give the good old chestnut a chance. I have walked right by the roasted chestnut vendors of Manhattan on innumerable occasions. Halfbakery explains the allure:

I live in NYC and I love roasted chestnuts. In fact, many people love roasted chestnuts in NYC. There’s nothing better than walking along the crowded streets on a cold, wintery day holding a hot bag of chestnuts and plunging your teeth into naturally sweetened and soft chestnuts. The only problem is they’re sold only in midtown Manhattan by those street vendors who sell hot dogs too. More specifically, on 5th avenue and 53rd street. That’s the only place in Manhattan you can get these goodies. It’s a shame more New Yorkers can’t enjoy roasted chestnuts more frequently. … My point is is roasted chestnuts are a blessing and should be shared. That’s it.

B. United International seems to be well aware of these charms, and has a good handle on malt beverages loaded with chestnut. Palanfrina is Ale Brewed with Chestnut Flower, Dried Chestnuts, Chestnut Honey and Chestnut Jam. It’s made by Birrificio Troll in northwest Italy. The back label has a more detailed ingredient list. Similarly, Birolla Malthus is Italian Chestnut Ale Brewed with Chestnut Meal and Honey. It’s made 186 miles north,...

If you’re getting a little weary of “Toasted Whole Wheat Flakes” it might be time to consider Lancaster Milt Stout. It’s made with lactose and without preservatives according to the label. Wki explains:

Milk stout (also called sweet stout or cream stout) is a stout containing lactose, a sugar derived from milk. Because lactose is unfermentable by beer yeast, it adds sweetness, body, and calories to the finished beer. Milk stout was claimed to be nutritious, and was given to nursing mothers, along with other stouts, such as Guinness. The classic surviving example of milk stout is Mackeson Stout, for which the original brewers claimed that “each pint contains the energising carbohydrates of 10 ounces of pure dairy milk”. In the period just after the Second World War when rationing was in place, the British government required brewers to remove the word “milk” from labels and adverts, and any imagery associated with milk.

Another choice, and not necessarily a good one, is Jersey Summer Breakfast Ale. It’s made by Cricket Hill Brewing of Fairfield, NJ. Their blog describes it as:

A breakfast ale as fresh and full with flavor as a day down by the shore. … Pairs as well with bacon and eggs as it does with a back...

Tea with a bit of ethyl kick seems to be one of the most popular trends of the past year. TTB has approved many brands, and these are two of the biggest. Southern Comfort Sweet Tea Cocktail is classified as a liqueur, at 15% alc./vol. The back label proclaims it — “exciting.” Jack Daniel’s Sweet Tea is classified as a malt beverage with natural flavors. It has 2/3 less alcohol. Google Maps says the products are made 5 miles apart, in Louisville, Kentucky.