AUSTINTOWN — Play and repeat a written melody, then add improvisational ensembles and solos before returning to the original melody, and you get the heart of jazz.

Take the usual ingredients he uses, then improvise by adding Frankenstein coffee-flavored stout beer as the base, and you get the true taste of Doug Duganne’s chili.

“I feel that beer gives it depth of flavor you just don’t get with regular chili,” Duganne, of Boardman, said.

It’s certainly safe to say that the creative contents in his crockpot struck a chord, because it received a first-place honor during the seventh annual chili cook-off Saturday afternoon at Biker Brewhouse, 5700 Patriot Blvd.

The three-hour, fun-filled competition was not a fundraiser, but another innovative way to create added levity and enjoyment, Larry Wilson, the microbrewery’s owner, said.

Duganne likely found plenty of both before coming to the business. He spent about four hours preparing and cooking his recipe that also included various types of beans.

Enjoyment also was a key ingredient for Bill Allison of Youngstown, who made a spicier variation after using chili powder, brown sugar and juice from tomatoes that were in his garden, combined with jalapenos, hot chili beans and diced tomatoes.

“I started cooking when I was young, and as a bachelor,” said Allison, who retired from a 46-year career as a maintenance worker with St. Mary’s Byzantine Catholic Church on Youngstown’s West Side.

Allison, who also brought his granddaughter, Arianna Holby, 7, has a pair of trophies to his credit — one of which he won in another competition for best all-around chili, he added. Part of his strategy also entails an improvisational flare.

“I don’t measure it; I go by taste,” he said.

“Mine is white-bean chicken chili,” Keith Campanelli of Canfield said.

His cream-colored variety was the result of chicken, corn, diced tomatoes, three types of white beans, cream and a chicken broth base, Campanelli, who runs Austintown-based Pirates Life Pinball Co., said.

Improvisation also found its way into his approach, because Campanelli uses a common recipe, yet “adds my own touches,” he added.

On Saturday, Biker Brewhouse’s atmosphere was somewhat reminiscent of an episode of the popular 1980s and 1990s sitcom “Cheers,” as patrons sat at the bar and enjoyed their camaraderie with one another and the chili selections while watching The Ohio State Buckeyes football game vs. the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, which Ohio State won, 42-9.

The business, which opened in 2017, also is the only microbrewery in the state that is attached to a Harley Davidson dealership, which makes it an ideal “ride destination,” Wilson said, adding that Biker Brewhouse also works closely in conjunction with nearby Quaker Steak & Lube to host bike night events.

Along those lines, the two businesses are planning such weekly gatherings on Thursdays from April 30 to Sept. 10, he said.

In addition, Biker Brewhouse is home to a variety of local and regional bands, especially on Saturday evenings, that play a wide array of genres, Wilson said.

“We find a lot of great talent here,” he added.