The Shoals imperial mocha stout to be released Dec. 26

Thompson Island Brewing Company will release the Shoals, an imperial mocha stout, Saturday, Dec. 26. The beer is brewed with cacao nibs and Swell Joe Coffee’s A-Wake 100 percent Guatemalan coffee. SUBMITTED PHOTO

For the second time this year, Thompson Island Brewing Company in Rehoboth Beach and Swell Joe Coffee in Lewes are collaborating on a limited-edition beer.

The brewpub will release the Shoals, an imperial mocha stout brewed with cacao nibs and Swell Joe’s A-Wake 100 percent Guatemalan coffee, Saturday, Dec. 26.

“We partnered with Swell Joe in the fall, and that beer sold out in a day,” said Matt Patton, director of operations, who oversees the beer program for SoDel Concepts. The hospitality group owns the brewpub and 11 other coastal Delaware restaurants. “We couldn’t wait for another opportunity to use their high-quality products,” he said.

The Shoals is a decadent imperial stout, explained brewmaster Jimmy Valm. “It was inspired by our first imperial stout, Canyons, and our love of the coffee and chocolate combination,” said Valm. “It’s the best of two worlds.”

Karen Johnson, an owner of Swell Joe, agreed. “What can be better than blending beer and coffee? Or, as we like to say, ‘Brew to the power of two,’” said Johnson.

A-Wake’s beans possess notes of cherry, brown sugar and milk chocolate. “And those flavors will perfectly complement the beer's dark roasted notes of baker's chocolate and molasses," Valm said.

Johnson said both Swell Joe and SoDel Concepts take pride in celebrating coastal Delaware’s lifestyle.

“Obviously, that includes time by the ocean,” she said. “But, just off the beach, we have scores of great places to enjoy the area’s best handmade fare, from freshly roasted coffee to locally crafted beer.”

The Shoals will be available in four-packs and on draft.