 StFun (360), Indiana, USA
Sep 9, 2008
Big thanks to Gabe (GMCC2181) for sending this one to me awhile back for my #300 rating. First, as others have said, watch out for the cork! It blew off and shattered on my garage ceiling, and the beer all came out as head. Once it settled down, it looked a murky black color, which I dug. Slight pepper in the aroma. But MAN the flavor is all tabasco. Way to hot and spicey when the beer was cool. Once it warmed up, there were nice notes of charred chocolate and smoke. Some real nice flavors on the palate, some dark fruits and carmel. The tabasco is just too strong though, it burned my tastebuds and hindered me from fully enjoying this one. Really glad I got the chance to drink this one though, I’d suggest picking one up to anyone as a one off special treat.
Beerlando (1439), Orlando, Florida, USA
Oct 28, 2008 13 oz. corked & caged bottle. Pours a dark chestnut brown color with a glimmer of dark crimson that shines when backlit. A massive, billowing head of tan colored foam displays excellent retention, random splotches of lace remaining on the glass. Aromas include chocolate malts, rich cocoa, powdered milk (lactose), vanilla, and hints of peppery spice. I expected it to blow me away with Tabasco heat, but the spicing is very subtle on the nose. The flavor, however, is a different story. What starts out sweet, with smooth cocoa notes and caramel, quickly takes a turn towards spicy as the Tabasco laden wood develops a building heat. By the end of the bottle, the spice causes the lips and throat to tingle quite a bit. The palate is medium bodied and velvety smooth, finishing hot and peppery. This one is as unique as they come. I think they chose a nice base beer to experiment with, as I think the cocoa and the lactose really do well to balance out the heat.
egajdzis (3065), Spring Mount, Pennsylvania, USA
Sep 8, 2008 Poured a dark mahogany color with a thin, light tan head that left no lacing on the glass. Aroma of roasted malts, some sweet chocolate, a touch of burnt wood, and a bit of green pepper. Taste of sweeter caramel up front, then some cocoa, with a roasted coffee, green pepper, and finishing with a spicy tobasco finish. I kept this chilled, and had no gushing, just a large head. Thanks to Iron Hill for this fantasticly interesting beer!
kkearn (707), philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Sep 2, 2008 Sample, from a bottle. Poured deep brown, capped with a moderate sized tan head. Aroma of chocolate malt, smoke, and hot pepper. Flavor is chocolate malt for an instant, which is quickly joined by chili pepper that burns the tongue a bit. Hefty chocolate malt supports the chili pepper for a long finish. The porter and pepper match very well. Much better balanced than the Ithaca "Tastes like Burning", that I had at the Extreme Beer Fest. I’d like to try this again.
Swolf3 (139), Elkton, Maryland, USA
Sep 2, 2008 Updated: Sep 17, 2008Shared with GMCC2181. Bottle. Ginourmouse explosion almost took Gabe’s eye out! Black in color. Aroma was pepper and tabasco. Taste was tabasco and a hint of chocolate. Overall a nice brew.
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