Montezuma: The Ancient Journey of Cocoa in Birrificio del Ducato’s New Chocolate Stout

From the lavish courts of Tenochtitlán to the vats of Soragna: introducing a One Shot that rewrites the rules of dark beer, fusing the intensity of chocolate with a remarkably agile drinkability.
Bicchiere di Montezuma Chocolate Stout con schiuma compatta e logo Birrificio del Ducato

There are flavors that carry with them the weight and magnificence of History. For the Aztecs, cocoa was not simply food, but a true catalyst of vital energy: a sacred beverage reserved for rulers, so precious that it was used as currency in imperial markets. Chronicles tell that the emperor Moctezuma II consumed dozens of cups a day before facing government decisions or ritual ceremonies.

That deep bond between the sacredness of ancient civilizations and the art of contemporary brewing has now found a new liquid form. Thus was born Montezuma, our new 4.5% ABV One Shot Chocolate Stout.

Beyond the mold: the tailored soul of a modern Stout

When thinking of a dark, structured beer, collective imagination immediately drifts to heavy, cloying brews, challenging to approach outside the colder months. With Montezuma, we chose the exact opposite stylistic approach: taking a bold, imposing raw material and redesigning it to elevate clean execution and drinking dynamic.

The result is a beer that breaks the category’s clichés. Beneath a deep black coat, embellished with ruby highlights and topped by a dense, compact hazelnut head, lies an amazingly agile structure.

The Sensory Profile: What to Expect in the Glass

Served at the ideal temperature, Montezuma releases a layered yet accessible aromatic bouquet:

  • On the Nose: Roasted cocoa nibs and dark chocolate dominate, accompanied by warm, comforting nuances reminiscent of cocoa paste and baked pastries (brownies).

  • On the Palate: The entry is soft and smooth. The bitterness of the roasted malts and cocoa balances perfectly with a medium-light body, finishing with an remarkably dry, crisp, and clean tail.

It is precisely this dry finish that makes all the difference—clearing the palate and delivering extraordinary drinkability for a beer of this style.

Recommended Pairings & Serving Suggestions

To fully appreciate its nuances, we recommend serving Montezuma chilled (between 8°C and 10°C / 46°F–50°F), allowing it to evolve slightly in the glass. It is the ideal companion for the end of a meal, pairing perfectly with:

  • Nut pastries (almond or hazelnut cookies and biscotti)

  • High-percentage dark chocolate cakes and desserts

  • Complex blue cheeses, where the roasted notes cut cleanly through the richness

Exclusively Available on Draft

Montezuma is brewed in limited quantities and distributed exclusively in 16-liter kegs.

The beer will be officially available starting Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Are you a venue owner or a craft beer enthusiast looking for the nearest tap? Contact our team or your local distributors to reserve your kegs before stock runs out.

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