Episode 06: Madhu Chocolate + Casa Humilde Cerveceria

In previous episodes, we've talked about the ways in which our individual backgrounds affect our personal sensory vocabularies. Where we grew up and the groups we’ve been a part of affect the aromas and flavors we’re familiar and unfamiliar with. When we taste beer or chocolate with someone who has had different experiences, we can fill in the gaps for each other, gleaning a fuller sensory picture than we each would alone.

Many brewers and chocolate makers infuse their creations with ingredients and flavors from their own cultural backgrounds, adding another layer to this rich sensory dynamic.

In this episode we’ll talk with Harshit Gupta of Madhu Chocolate in Austin, Texas, and Jose Lopez of Casa Humilde Cerveceria in Chicago, Illinois. Both share insights into using flavor ingredients familiar to their cultures' culinary traditions, and share how this allows them to share their memories and cultures with consumers.

Beers mentioned in this episode include Nopalli, Mesita, Tempestad, Cafecito, and Pilon by Casa Humilde Cerveceria in Chicago, Illinois, as well as Pipeworks Horchata Ale from Chicago and The Bruery Or Xata from Placentia, California.

Chocolates mentioned in this episode include Lemon Coriander, Masala Chai Dark, Cardamom Dark, Rose Pistachio, Saffron Milk, and Orange Clove from Madhu Chocolate, and Dark Chocolate + Toasted Coconut & Sugar Bar from Askinosie Chocolate in Springfield, Missouri.

The music for this episode was sampled from an instrumental version of the song “Walls” written and performed by indie folk musician Anna ps from her 2016 album Umbrella. Anna p.s. conveys a sense of weariness throughout her simple yet resonant songs, but it’s a weariness that keeps a blanket of hope tucked up under its chin, even as the rain keeps falling outside the windows. You can find out more about Anna at her website.

Guests:

Harshit Gupta (L in photo) co-founded Madhu Chocolate in Austin, Texas, with his husband, Elliott Curelop (R). Harshit was born and raised in Mumbai, India, and Madhu features flavors from Harshit’s Indian heritage. Harshit and Elliott sell their chocolates through their website, as well as in select retail locations in Austin.

Jose Lopez (L in photo) co-founded Casa Humilde Cerveceria Artesanal in Chicago, Illinois, with his brother Javier (R). The brothers got their start homebrewing, and now operate out of District Brew Yards, an innovative taproom concept in Chicago’s West Town neighborhood. Their beers often feature flavors from their the brothers’ Mexican heritage.