Victory Brewing Company and Asher’s Chocolates, two iconic Pennsylvania brands, have joined forces to create an indulgent, gourmet food and beer pairing that some might find even better than the traditional ‘beer and pretzel’ combo.

On their web sites and in stores, the companies are pairing White Monkey Tripel, a Belgian style strong blonde ale, with Asher’s dark chocolate and caramel mini pretzels.

White Monkey, with hints of whole flower European hops and coriander seed, is a popular seasonal Victory beer back on shelves this week. The beer is sublime when enjoyed with the salty, sweet crunch of the Asher pretzels.

Victory said the chocolate/caramel minis are a limited Asher’s product developed exclusively to pair with White Monkey. The Pennsylvania products are available at Victory’s retail store in Downingtown, at Fooderies in Philadelphia, and at Greeks Next Door in Narberth. The suggested retail price for White Monkey is $9, and a package of the caramel mini pretzels sells for $7.49

“This pairing was a natural and easy fit,” Bill Covaleski, brewmaster and president of Victory said in a company news release. “Beer and pretzels have long been linked as a delicious and traditional pairing, but we wanted to turn up the volume a bit.”

“White Monkey was the ideal choice because it’s smooth and already a great dessert accompaniment,” he said. “Collaborating with our friends at Asher’s, a local company with a rich tradition of creating the fantastic chocolates that so many of us grew up enjoying, was a no-brainer.”

Asher’s Chocolates is a family owned business based in Souderton and Lewiston. The company has made fine chocolates and classic confections since 1892.

Victory Brewing Company is a privately held craft brewery with facilities in Downingtown and Parkesburg.