To file in the category of get-it-while you can, Philadelphia Brewing Company’s Engine 1892 Chocolate Stout is a serious special. Brewed in just one 30-barrel batch for Reading Terminal Market’s 120th anniversary gala held on February  25, it’s currently being poured at Molly Malloy’s and a handful of other bars around the city until it’s gone.  

The sturdy, dark brown 6% ABV ale is a touch roasty and warmed with semi-sweet notes of dark chocolate, provided by Chocolate by Mueller, located at the market. The chocolate was infused into the liquid after the boil because brewers didn’t want to ferment the sweet, for fear it wouldn’t taste right. They added some delicate vanilla beans, which provided fullness and balance without imparting an overly vanilla flavor that so easily overtakes less skillfully brewed beers. The flavors are subtle and reserved and leave a clean finish. Even drinking it out of a plastic cup didn’t detract, as it usually does.

This is PBC’s first attempt at a chocolate stout, and co-owner Bill Barton enjoyed the brew process. “Whenever we have the opportunity to brew a small batch we like to experiment. It’s a really good way to learn.”

The beer came about because of a request from Reading Terminal GM Paul Steinke, who has known Barton for years and holds the distinction of being one of the only people in PBC history to host a private party (his 40th birthday) in the brewery tasting room.

“Paul asked me to brew him an anniversary beer and I said, ‘Really?’” Barton remembers, with mock irritation in his voice. “But he’s such a nice guy. and so dedicated to the market. This beer is a tribute.”