Beermas 2013-2014 – Day 05 – The Chief Chipotle Harvest Ale – Whistler Brewing Company

Read on or click  play below for the enhanced Audio experience.

I have my co-worker Phil to thank for Today’s brew.

Whistler brewing is no stranger to bold flavour combinations in beer – you only need to look at their previous Cheakamus Chai-Maple Ale for proof.   So with some curiosity and a little trepidation I stare at the bottle before popping it open.  This could go horribly wrong or quite right.

The beer is in a 650ml bottle weighing in at 5% alc. vol. and is named after the Stawamus Chief, the second largest granite monolith in the world for those that don’t live in the area or don’t know the significance in the name.

Cracking it open, it pours garnet with a thumb and a bit of pillowy head.  The aroma has a tang to it with some malt and I do believe I’m catching the spice aspect ever so slightly.

The taste… Wow, this really is authentic chipotle – no imitation here.  The spiciness sneaks up on you  just after you swallow and lingers afterwards.   It works and its interesting.  I feel a bit about it like I feel about chipotle in chocolate,  it can be done and its nice if you’re in the mood for it.

I’m not sure I’d need to buy this beer again – though I’m thankful to have had it.  I found that the more I sipped it the more I enjoyed it.  There is an interesting effect that the chipotle has in the beer as it numbs your lips and makes your tongue and cheeks tingle, and that makes me smile.    I’d say – go for it – buy it, try it for yourself – your life will be the richer for having done so. 😉

Cheers and see you on Beermas Day 06!