A container of ice cream.
The Skyline Chili ice cream collab you never knew you needed Credit: Courtesy Graeter's

The most controversial (in some people’s opinion, not ours) ice cream flavor of 2024 is back for fall as Graeter’s announced this week that its collaboration with Skyline Chili is available starting today, October 1st.

We tried the crossover flavor last year and walked away impressed.

Skyline — and Cincinnati-style chili in general — is a contentious culinary subject, of course. Beloved by some, loathed by others. And even for denizens who have already put away a lifetime of three-, four- and five-ways, the idea of a Skyline-inspired ice cream might have a way too far

But the experience itself itself conjures up not notes of chili and meat but instead a nod to Skyline’s distinctive flavors. The warm spices from Skyline’s proprietary blend come through, but wholly different. The allspice, cloves and cinnamon are there weaved through the vanilla ice cream base, but it’s warm in a way other cinnamon desserts are not. It’s not quite savory, just complex. And the oyster crackers, which might at first seem like the oddest inclusion in this whole thing, are a welcome surprise.

We were hardly alone in our verdict. Judging by responses on social media and firmer, official data — Graeter’s said demand last fall exceeded expectations.

Find Graeter’s Skyline Chili ice cream at participating Skyline Chili restaurants in single-serve portions or in single-serve portions and full pints at Graeter’s scoop shops. You can also order online at Graeters.com.

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Vince Grzegorek has been with Scene since 2007 and editor-in-chief since 2012. He previously worked at Discount Drug Mart and Texas Roadhouse.