Braxton Brewing Co. is gearing up for its annual Dark Charge Winter Block Party, with new Dark Charge Imperial Stout variants, including collaborations with a Cincinnati culinary icon.
This is the 11th year for Braxton Brewing’s block party, which celebrates the annual release of its barrel-aged imperial stout, Dark Charge, and the launch of limited-edition variants, as well as the unique blend of the German-based brewing culture of Cincinnati and Kentucky’s bourbon distilling heritage. The block party will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 in Braxton’s Covington taproom, as well as outside on Seventh Street.
Braxton Brewing says this year’s Dark Charge lineup is one of its most ambitious yet and includes brand-new variants and creative collaborations, including Skyline Chili Spice, the first beer to be made with Skyline.
“Dark Charge has always been about pushing boundaries while honoring tradition,” Jake Rouse, co-founder and CEO of Braxton Brewing, said in a press release. “This year, we’re taking that spirit to the next level with bold new variants like Skyline Chili Spice — the very first beer ever crafted with Skyline. It’s a true milestone for both brands and a celebration of the community that has supported Dark Charge for over a decade. We can’t wait to see how fans enjoy the Cincinnati Two Way.”
Announced variants include:
Dark Charge Imperial Age Stout: This base 2025 Barrel-Aged Dark Charge features a blend of multiple vintages, with rich aromas of stone fruits like plums, bold notes of coffee and roast and smooth layers of vanilla, toffee and caramel.
Dark Charge Cookie Butter: If you love Biscoff cookies, this is the beer for you. Flavors include caramelized malt, brown sugar, vanilla and warm baking spices, rounded out by rich toasted oak.
Dark Charge Crème Brûlée: A bourbon barrel–aged stout featuring flavors of rich vanilla bean, toasted caramel and silky custard combined with warm bourbon, charred oak and a hint of dark chocolate.
Dark Charge Chocolate Buckeye: The magic combination of chocolate and peanut butter collide in this bourbon barrel-aged imperial stout, where deep roasted malts meet layers of cocoa, vanilla and bourbon-kissed caramel.
These four variants are currently available in limited quantities for pre-sale.
The Cobbler Box will be available for pre-sale Monday starting at noon. Braxton Brewing says this Cobbler series — Peach Cobbler, Blackberry Cobbler and Cherry Cobbler — was inspired by the classic Southern dessert and blends the dessert’s decadence with Dark Charge’s deep roasted character.
And the Skyline Chili Spice is “our love letter to the Queen City,” says Braxton, “capturing unmistakable Skyline Chili spirit in every sip.” The variant will blend rich layers of the barrel-aged stout with a touch of Skyline spice, creating something new from a Cincinnati classic. This variant will be available for pre-sale in limited quantities starting at noon on Tuesday.
You can purchase pre-sale items at darkchargeday.com. Pickup will be at the block party from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
At the block party, visitors can also enjoy live music, including headliners Cincy Brass, Hoopty and DJ Jay Kay. There will also be food available from Skyline Chili, Dewey’s Pizza, Beards & Bellies and Pretzels Pretzels Pretzels. You can also enjoy some bourbon and beer at the BLINE Lounge with cocktails by Molly Wellmann. VIP tickets for the block party include seasonal culinary pairings from Dewey’s Pizza, early access to VIP bottle sales, drink tickets and a commemorative Dark Charge taster.
Braxton Brewing is also once again hosting its immersive beer, bourbon and culinary tasting, the STAVE Dinner, on Friday, Dec. 5. This limited-ticket event will be hosted by Wellmann and will feature curated bourbon and beer pairings, chef-driven culinary creations that will complement each pour and a guided experience highlighting the stories behind the barrels, the brewing process and flavor profiles. Tickets are $95 and can be purchased here.
The Dark Charge Winter Block Party will be held at Braxton Brewing’s flagship location at 27 W. Seventh St., Covington. Learn more at darkchargeday.com.