Newport Storm Brewing Company announced the availability of its “annual beer,” a practice the brewery began in 2000. Each annual brew showcases “unique flavors and extreme qualities, and features an ABV of 11% or higher.” This year Brewmaster Derek Luke used hot cocoa as inspiration for the Annual Release 16. The beer features Canada Pale, Canada Munich and Baird’s Chocolate, Flacked Oats, as well as German Tettnang and German Traditional hops. The Baird’s Chocolate malts “build the base for this beer” and the “unique extraction process from cacao nibs from Ecuador and Ghana finish off the chocolaty flavor.” Annual Release 16 is a limited release brew with an ABV of 11% and IBU 28.