A Sweet Symphony: Valentine's Day Beer and Chocolate Pairing with Papas Candies and Barleycorn's Brewhouse

In the heart of Wilder, Kentucky, two beloved local brands are coming together for a special Valentine's Day event. Barleycorn's Brewhouse is excited to announce their partnership with the legendary Papas Candies. This partnership is set to bring you a fun filled Valentine's Day Beer and Chocolate Pairing event on February 14th, 2024, from 6 PM to 8 PM.

To celebrate their partnership, Papas Candies and Barleycorn's Brewhouse are hosting a Valentine's Day Beer and Chocolate Pairing event. For just $20 per ticket, guests can indulge in four specially crafted chocolates paired with a flight of locally crafted beers. The pairings include Wildfire Red Ale with DK Raspberry Cream, Route 9 Lager with Milk French Cream, 3 Mile Milk Stout with Milk Coconut Cream, and Berna Ditty (Winter Warmer) with DK Maple Nut.

In addition to this decadent experience, ticket holders will enjoy a brewery tour, a take-home box of Papas Candies famous chocolates, and a 10% Brewhouse retail discount. It's an evening filled with love, history, and flavors that will leave a lasting impression.  Tickets are available here: https://shorturl.at/bclPZ

A Sweet Beginning: The History of Papas Candies:

The story of Papas Candies begins with Christus "Chris" A. Papas, a Greek immigrant who arrived in the United States in 1909 and settled in Cincinnati. Chris, along with his son Alex, initially worked odd jobs cleaning furnaces and delivering coal. In his spare time, Chris started making candies in the basement of his home, which he would sell on street corners.

Chris Papas working in the chocolate shop. Courtesy of the Kenton County Library.

By 1928, Chris was ready to turn his candy-making passion into a full-time business. He opened a candy shop near Cincinnati's Music Hall and later moved to Covington, where he opened Lily's Candy Shop in 1935, named in honor of his wife. Lily's became a beloved spot, offering chocolates, ice cream, and a soda fountain. Chris Papas retired in 1951 due to health issues, passing the torch to his daughter, Katherine, who continued to run Lily's.

Chris Papas working in the chocolate shop. Courtesy of the Kenton County Library.Under Alex's leadership, Papas Candies saw remarkable growth. He expanded the business, acquired other candy companies, and introduced iconic Easter candies, including marshmallow-filled eggs and dark chocolate eggs filled with opera cream. The tradition of making over 80,000 candy eggs a day during the Easter season became synonymous with Papas Candies.

In 1986, Alex passed the business to his sons, Carl and Chris, ensuring that the legacy of Papas Candies continued. The company's commitment to quality and tradition lives on, making it a beloved institution in the Tri-State area.

Barleycorn's Cheers to 50 years:

Barleycorn's, another beloved institution in the Tri-State area, has its roots traced back to its founder, Ken Heil. He opened the first Barleycorn's restaurant in downtown Cincinnati, originally named Barleycorn's Aluminum Sash and Storm Door Co. Inc., catering to the after-work crowd. Over time, Barleycorn's expanded to three Northern Kentucky locations in Cold Spring, Lakeside Park, and Florence.

What sets Barleycorn's apart is its unwavering commitment to customer satisfaction. With a focus on quality food, outstanding service, and a friendly staff, Barleycorn's has built a reputation for excellence. 

Originally the Five Mile House, its name was changed in 1921 to Dixie Inn, but later changed to just Retschulte's, the proprietor's name. It later became Barleycorns. Courtesy of Northern Kentucky Views.

Barleycorn's not only values its employees but also gives back to the community. Over the years, they have supported numerous organizations, including local schools, medical research centers, foundations, and Special Olympics. Their dedication to their community is a testament to their success.

In August 2022, Barleycorn's expanded its offerings with the opening of Barleycorn's Brewhouse in Wilder, Kentucky. This addition marked a new chapter in the brand's history, specializing in traditional beer styles such as lagers, pilsners, and IPAs. The brewery, equipped with a five-barrel brewhouse and additional fermentation capacity, has the capacity to produce up to 600 barrels of craft beer annually.

Barleycorn's Brewhouse also offers an inviting atmosphere for patrons, including indoor and outdoor patio dining and even a dog-friendly patio with a fenced relief area. With a commitment to quality and community, Barleycorn's continues to thrive and make an impact on the Northern Kentucky area.