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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Chip off the ol’ ice block

Rick Bonino

New Belgium is back with another ice-cream inspired beer in conjunction with Ben & Jerry’s.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale follows last fall’s Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale collaboration between the Colorado brewery and the Vermont ice cream maker.

While that was a new flavor that was developed into both a beer and an ice cream, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Ale is based on one of Ben & Jerry’s longtime best-sellers.

New Belgium brewers added cocoa nibs, vanilla beans and brown sugar to a blonde ale base with a touch of caramel malt to mimic the ice cream. The bright golden result (6 percent alcohol by volume, 12 International Bitterness Units) is on the sweeter side but far from cloying, with a fairly dry finish.

After being introduced in New Belgium’s mixed Folly Pack, the beer has been rolling out locally in six-packs and draft (look for locations near you here). 

Like last year’s project, a portion of the proceeds benefits Protect Our Winters, a snow sports-based nonprofit that fights global warming – which, no matter what you think of the beer itself, will leave a good taste in your mouth.