Episode 10: Branch & Bone Against a Violet Sky

When highly creative brewers and chocolate makers come together for collaborations, the results can be magical. 

In this episode we talk with Hans Westerink of Violet Sky Chocolate in South Bend, Indiana, who creates fantastic single origin and inclusion chocolate bars and frequently collaborates with craft brewers. We also talk with Brett Smith of Branch & Bone Artisan Ales in Dayton, Ohio, who produces a wide variety of excellent and unique beers, including some using cacao. Both discuss their own inspirations and the unlikely scenario that brought them together.

Beers mentioned in this episode include Branch & Bone Modern Business Hymns, Feral Dawn, Campfire Candle, Black Candle, Mexican-Spiced Party in the Dark, and Dimmer, as well as Transient Artisan Ales Buckley and Bowser & Koopa, and Fantome Saison.

Chocolate bars mentioned in this episode include Violet Sky Monte Grande and Maple & Vanilla.

Also mentioned in this episode were the Wood Burl Coffee and Bare Hands Brewing. 

The music for this episode was sampled from an instrumental version of the song “200 Miles” 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:

Hans Westerink is the founder and chocolate maker at Violet Sky Chocolate in South Bend, Indiana. In 2021 he will be launching a coffee line called Cloudwalker Coffee, and will be opening a cafe to serve both chocolate and coffee.

Brett Smith is the co-founder and head brewer at Branch & Bone Artisan Ales in Dayton, Ohio. He was an accomplished homebrewer before founding Branch & Bone, and also does some part-time DJing on the side.