Ingredient Insight: MadTree Brewing sources cacao nibs from Dominican Republic for Rubus Cacao

MadTree Brewing has teamed up with renowned Cincinnati bean-to-bar craft chocolatier, Maverick Chocolate, to create Rubus Cacao. Rubus Cacao (pronounced “roo-bus kah-cow”) is a sweet chocolate stout with a slightly tart raspberry flavor, melding the two in perfect harmony. Located in Findlay Market, Maverick teamed up with MadTree to source cacao nibs from the Dominican Republic to create the rich chocolate flavor that envelopes your taste buds with each sip.

First released in a draft-only format in February 2014, Rubus Cacao became an instant fan favorite selling out very quickly. Casual and fanatical craft beer drinkers alike have been clamoring for cans and wider distribution ever since.

“It was important to us to work with a local partner to find the cacao nibs and that led us to Paul and Marlene at Maverick Chocolate,” said Jeff Hunt, MadTree Brewing co-founder. “Maverick was on-board immediately and very excited to help us find the right chocolate to achieve the flavor profile we wanted for the large-scale release of Rubus Cacao.”

Cans will be available for the first time beginning Jan. 7 at the MadTree Taproom. Patrons can sample Maverick chocolate made from the same nibs while learning more about the chocolate making process. The Catch-A-Fire Pizza Café located inside MadTree’s taproom will also offer a variety of chocolate inspired dishes for the launch party.

Cans and draft will be distributed to restaurants, bars, and retailers the week of January 11 throughout Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton, Athens and Northern Kentucky.