Worcester's Wormtown Brewery and Dunkin' Donuts are teaming up to launch the new DDark Roasted Brew in honor of the darkest day of the year: Thursday, Dec. 21.



The first beer to be brewed with Dunkin' Donuts Dark Roast beans, the stout-style beer will be available to Wormtown customers at the start of winter solstice, 11:28 a.m., Thursday.



Local Dunkin' Donuts franchise owner Rob Branca said the company is "thrilled" to partner with Wormtown.



"Worcester is home to one of the first Dunkin' Donuts restaurants, so we know how much residents love the brand and our coffee," Branca said. "This partnership with Wormtown continues to drive innovation in Worcester and we are excited to brew up something extra bold to help our loyal guests to celebrate the darkest day of the year."



Scott Drake, head brewer at Wormtown, said he is confident the beer will be "an instant favorite" for New Englanders.



In addition to serving up the new brew, Branca and Wormtown will donate $11,500 to the Worcester Food Bank.



"... the fact that we're able to give back to Worcester-area families through this partnership just makes it that much better," Drake said.



Guests are invited to attend a ceremonial keg tapping during the winter solstice Thursday, Dec. 21, at Wormtown Brewery, 72 Shrewsbury St.



