Santa Monica Brew Works (SMBW), the first and only locally owned independent craft brewery on Los Angeles’ Westside, has announced their latest edition of limited-released beers celebrating local businesses.
The brewery teamed up with organic coffee roasters Groundwork Coffee Co. for their latest effort following partnerships with other local iconic places such as Bay Cities and Rip City Skates.
Together, the neighboring Westside businesses collaborated on what they call, “Breakfast Brew” – a Golden Mocha Porter made with cocoa nibs, vanilla bean, and organic cold brew coffee.
“Some things are just better together,” said Scott Francis, SMBW Co-Founder, President & CEO. “It’s no secret that coffee and craft beer can complement each other exceptionally well – but adding chocolate takes this brew to a whole other level of deliciousness.”
Santa Monica Brew Works wanted to work with Groundwork Coffee Co. due to their coastal roots and production similarities, the two companies share a common ethos.
“It’s about more than just producing a quality beverage,” Francis said. “Our aim is to connect with our community through products that people are passionate about.”
Groundwork first opened its doors in 1990 with a small-batch organic roastery and tiny café on Rose Avenue in Venice Beach.
“Though we’ve grown, our business is inextricable from our community and deep Los Angeles roots,” said Groundwork Marketing Director, Jessica Smith. “We wouldn’t be where we are without the people and neighborhoods who have supported us from the beginning.”
Mixing coffee and beer may sound delicious, but there’s a unique process to make the combination come to life. Bundles of cocoa nibs were brewed with Vienna malt and finished with vanilla bean and a touch of chamomile for a silky-smooth finish. Groundwork’s Certified Organic Classic Cold Brew adds an invigorating aroma and hint of nutty hazelnut character.
“This isn’t a traditional coffee porter. We had some fun playing with unexpected ingredient combinations,” said SMBW’s Colomb. “The original milk chocolate flavors combine with the Arabica Coffee to create rich dark chocolate truffle notes. And the addition of milk sugar provides the backbone through which the chocolate and coffee can shine.”
However, beware coffee lovers, the final product contains only a small measure of caffeine, less than one-tenth the amount in full-strength cold brew coffee. The beer does clock in at 5.0% ABV.
“Their roasting expertise helped us identify the ideal blend of cold brew that perfectly complements our golden chocolate porter,” Santa Monica Brew Works Head Brewer Avery Colomb said.
“Breakfast Brew” will be available for a limited time on draft and in 4-packs of 16 oz cans to-go from Santa Monica Brew Works Tasting Room at 1920 Colorado Ave.
daniel@smdp.com
