Black Velvet

A solemn, elegant pairing of dark stout and Champagne, layered so the pale sparkling wine glows beneath a velvety crown of black beer. The roast and bitterness of the stout meet the dry effervescence of the wine in something gentle and bittersweet. Tradition traces it to a bartender at London's Brooks's Club in 1861, who mixed it to mourn Prince Albert — even the Champagne, it was said, should be dressed for grief.

ClassicLow ABVCarbonated

Ingredients

  • 3 ozChampagne(chilled)
  • 3 ozStout(chilled)

Preparation

Built · Champagne flute · None

  1. 1.

    add

    Pour the chilled Champagne into a flute, filling it about halfway.

  2. 2.

    build

    Slowly float the chilled stout on top, pouring very carefully over the back of an inverted barspoon so the two beers stay in distinct layers.

Flavor Profile

fizz
85%
dilution
45%
bitter
30%
body
30%
fruity
20%
earthy
20%