I received a press release this morning for what looks guaranteed to be a week of autumnal bliss in Toronto: the 4th Annual Toronto Chocolate Festival. It’s still a work in progress, judging from the looks of the website, but unquestionably a celebration of all things chocolate can only be a very, very good thing.
Then I cast my eye over the sponsors and spied something curious. Amid the expected chocolate and restaurant sponsors were a mere two alcohols, Skyy Vodka and Amarula Liqueur.
Now, I’ve against either vodka or cream liqueur, but neither is the first I think of when the idea of chocolate is raised. Vodka is a clear and crisp spirit, better suited to fish or cream, I think, than rich and sweet chocolate, while cream liqueur and chocolate must surely be a case of gilding the proverbial lily.
Where is the whiskey, or whisky, for that matter? Where are the great, chocolate-friendly Belgian ales, Scotch ales and barleywines? Hello, cognac?
It looks like there’s still time to get involved in this year’s presentation, so come on, distillers, brewers and importers. Time to step up!
