Caraxes Rises - House Of The Dragon
Mikkeller ApS

For accuracy, the pint can does claim to be Mikkeller Of San Diego. This version is a Chilli Stout. A Stout it is, as the pour of all the can's contents into a clear glass liter mug reveals. It's a black coffee brown color with a modest tan head. The aroma is one of roasted barley, with hints of chocolate. That's no surprise. No, the surprise is how little fire there is in the taste. The roasted barley is great for both the taste and mouthfeel, but where is the heat? They's more spicy bite to some Imperial IPAs than there is here. Perhaps it's an older version and the pepper has mellowed, but there's no taste inclusion, neither. Peppered brews have a tendency to accumulate the heat and by the finish, it's at least detected. This isn't Safeword by Free Will (entertain yourself by reading Woody Chandler's review), nor the one once made by Ballast Point. This is a better than average American Stout. But, lovers of a spicy beer will be disappointed.