Luchador En Fuego | Clown Shoes
Brewed by:
Clown Shoes
Massachusetts, United States
clownshoesbeer.com
Style: American Double / Imperial Stout
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Clown Shoes' Third Anniversary beer. Aged in Heaven Hill and Wild Turkey barrels.
Added by Dope on 01-16-2013
This beer is retired; no longer brewed.
Reviews: 132 | Ratings: 846
4.19/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance- The beer was a murky black color with a mocha head.
Smell - Aside from the chocolate malts, I detect a hint of spice. I do not detect the booze.
Taste - The beer is lightly boozy chocolate at the beginning. The spice begins toward the back, but it seems to lean toward cinnamon. I am reminded of Christmas cookies with a pine hint that lingers in back.
Mouthfeel - The stout is sticky, but not like I would expect.
Overall - This might be my favorite Clown Shoes.
★ 483 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Appearance- The beer was a murky black color with a mocha head.
Smell - Aside from the chocolate malts, I detect a hint of spice. I do not detect the booze.
Taste - The beer is lightly boozy chocolate at the beginning. The spice begins toward the back, but it seems to lean toward cinnamon. I am reminded of Christmas cookies with a pine hint that lingers in back.
Mouthfeel - The stout is sticky, but not like I would expect.
Overall - This might be my favorite Clown Shoes.
★ 483 characters
3.68/5 rDev -10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pour is a very dark brown hue, khaki colored head that settles to a ring pretty quickly. Aroma is a little muted, still getting chocolate, lactose and subtle hints of cinnamon and oak. Following the nose well, with nothing more or nothing less, the taste consists of chocolate, hints of cinnamon. Not much bourbon or barrel involved. Mouthfeel is more on the velvety side, low carbonation. Unfortunately I wish there was more of a noticeable pepper profile and/or bourbon.
★ 472 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Pour is a very dark brown hue, khaki colored head that settles to a ring pretty quickly. Aroma is a little muted, still getting chocolate, lactose and subtle hints of cinnamon and oak. Following the nose well, with nothing more or nothing less, the taste consists of chocolate, hints of cinnamon. Not much bourbon or barrel involved. Mouthfeel is more on the velvety side, low carbonation. Unfortunately I wish there was more of a noticeable pepper profile and/or bourbon.
★ 472 characters
3.48/5 rDev -15.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Black and thin. Much too thin for the style. No barrel at all and very minimal spice, but the spice somewhat comes around as this warms. Lip smacking sweetness almost chokes me. The alcohol isn't in your face here, but still doesn't make this pleasant to drink. My first really disappointing brew from clown shoes.
★ 314 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Black and thin. Much too thin for the style. No barrel at all and very minimal spice, but the spice somewhat comes around as this warms. Lip smacking sweetness almost chokes me. The alcohol isn't in your face here, but still doesn't make this pleasant to drink. My first really disappointing brew from clown shoes.
★ 314 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The peppers on this were very mild, just a hint of flavor as an after taste. This was a very well liked beer within a small group sharing it with me of varying beer drinkers. Overall, it is something I am going to buy again.
★ 226 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The peppers on this were very mild, just a hint of flavor as an after taste. This was a very well liked beer within a small group sharing it with me of varying beer drinkers. Overall, it is something I am going to buy again.
★ 226 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Poured from tap, jet black minor tan head, little lacing. Massive bourbon smell. Very creamy on first sip, nice chocolatey taste up front with the barrel showing up behind it. Didn't buy this in the bomber, but going looking for it now
★ 238 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Poured from tap, jet black minor tan head, little lacing. Massive bourbon smell. Very creamy on first sip, nice chocolatey taste up front with the barrel showing up behind it. Didn't buy this in the bomber, but going looking for it now
★ 238 characters
4.2/5 rDev +2.2%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
Appearance and aroma are nothing special, but the flavor is divine. Judicious use of the booze barrels are subtlety evident and supportive of the bolder coffee, cocoa, black malt, flavors. Perfect palate. Fairly drinkable.
★ 222 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4
Appearance and aroma are nothing special, but the flavor is divine. Judicious use of the booze barrels are subtlety evident and supportive of the bolder coffee, cocoa, black malt, flavors. Perfect palate. Fairly drinkable.
★ 222 characters
4.28/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016 vintage
~3 months since bottling date
Appearance- Pours a black color, opaque. Half finger thick, medium tan colored head, frothy / creamy, dissipates to thin layer. Spotty head lacing and some alcohol legs cling to glass.
Aroma- Chocolate sweetness, roastiness, vanilla, earthy cinnamon and spice. Lots of dry oak, soft bourbon notes, spicy peppers.
Taste- Milk chocolates, earthy and creamy vanilla, caramel and toffees, dark fruits. Bourbon, lots of dry oak, charred barrel and roast. Moderate heat from peppers, lots of peppery spice. Cinnamon spice throughout.
Feel- Medium bodied, very creamy and velvety smooth, sweet and sticky. Lower to moderate carbonation.
Overall- Starts out very sweet with lots of chocolate and vanilla flavors, but bourbon barrels and peppers help to provide a dry and spicy, balanced finish. Has a real nice vanilla / cinnamon combination throughout, sweet and decadent. Peppers don’t add too much heat, moderate and well integrated into the beer. Flavors could be a bit more robust, but on the flipside it is very balanced.
★ 1,069 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2016 vintage
~3 months since bottling date
Appearance- Pours a black color, opaque. Half finger thick, medium tan colored head, frothy / creamy, dissipates to thin layer. Spotty head lacing and some alcohol legs cling to glass.
Aroma- Chocolate sweetness, roastiness, vanilla, earthy cinnamon and spice. Lots of dry oak, soft bourbon notes, spicy peppers.
Taste- Milk chocolates, earthy and creamy vanilla, caramel and toffees, dark fruits. Bourbon, lots of dry oak, charred barrel and roast. Moderate heat from peppers, lots of peppery spice. Cinnamon spice throughout.
Feel- Medium bodied, very creamy and velvety smooth, sweet and sticky. Lower to moderate carbonation.
Overall- Starts out very sweet with lots of chocolate and vanilla flavors, but bourbon barrels and peppers help to provide a dry and spicy, balanced finish. Has a real nice vanilla / cinnamon combination throughout, sweet and decadent. Peppers don’t add too much heat, moderate and well integrated into the beer. Flavors could be a bit more robust, but on the flipside it is very balanced.
★ 1,069 characters
4.25/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Many thanks to SawDog505 for this bottle.
A - Pitch black pour, super thick toffee colored creamy lacing ring, big legs with this beer!
S - Bakers chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, light oak, bourbon, vanilla, delicately balanced with some spice.
T - Oak, bourbon, vanilla, cocoa, spice, and the spiciness creates a little bit of warmth (heat).
M - Big and full bodied, gentle carbonation, sticky, velvety.
O - A fantastic beer, well blended, and the ABV is well hidden.
★ 468 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Many thanks to SawDog505 for this bottle.
A - Pitch black pour, super thick toffee colored creamy lacing ring, big legs with this beer!
S - Bakers chocolate, vanilla, cocoa, light oak, bourbon, vanilla, delicately balanced with some spice.
T - Oak, bourbon, vanilla, cocoa, spice, and the spiciness creates a little bit of warmth (heat).
M - Big and full bodied, gentle carbonation, sticky, velvety.
O - A fantastic beer, well blended, and the ABV is well hidden.
★ 468 characters
4.25/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz Bomber poured into a clown shoes glass.Smell of chocolate.Taste is Chocolate with Bourbon maybe a touch of Vanilla.Overall this is a excellent stout.I would buy it again.Give it try.
★ 188 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22 oz Bomber poured into a clown shoes glass.Smell of chocolate.Taste is Chocolate with Bourbon maybe a touch of Vanilla.Overall this is a excellent stout.I would buy it again.Give it try.
★ 188 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3/2/16 botted bomber poured into a snifter.
It is a fairly viscous looking dirty black. Slightly cola like fizzyness to the finger think khaki head. It dissipated pretty quickly, but retains a solid ring that is easily agitated.
Smells excellent. Lots of bourbon barrel charcter. Vanilla, wood, sweet corn grains, leather, and some chocolate and charred malt. More sweet than roasty. Just a hint of spice. Maybe cayenne or chili powder.
The flavors are pretty consistent with the aroma. It is slightly more sweet overall than not. Vanilla is front and center follwed by some peppers. No heat. Not even warm. Just flavor. Like chipotle with a bit of green pepper even. There is cocoa, to fudge like chocolate, expresso, some tobacco, lightly charred ashyness, and a subtle bitterness. As it warms there is a not previously noticebale heat as it warms. Just a little tingle on the back end.
The body is excellent. A solid medium bordering on full, which for a barrel aged beer doesn't always happen. Very nice creamy texture.
I was not a big fan of Chocolate Sombrero, so I was skeptical with this one. I feel like it didn't have any pepper character. This one does. You really have to let it warm though. As I type this sentence the heat from the peppers is becoming even more noticeable. I am amazed at how supressed it is at a colder temp. I have never had a BB Bomb!, but this is what I would expect for the most part. There is some good with the bad though. While the spice aspect improves, the heat/alcohol becomes more noticeable too. can't say that I ever noticed any cinnamon, but I still think the balance and taste of this beer is world class. One of the better barrel aged beers Clown Shoes has done.
★ 1,721 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
3/2/16 botted bomber poured into a snifter.
It is a fairly viscous looking dirty black. Slightly cola like fizzyness to the finger think khaki head. It dissipated pretty quickly, but retains a solid ring that is easily agitated.
Smells excellent. Lots of bourbon barrel charcter. Vanilla, wood, sweet corn grains, leather, and some chocolate and charred malt. More sweet than roasty. Just a hint of spice. Maybe cayenne or chili powder.
The flavors are pretty consistent with the aroma. It is slightly more sweet overall than not. Vanilla is front and center follwed by some peppers. No heat. Not even warm. Just flavor. Like chipotle with a bit of green pepper even. There is cocoa, to fudge like chocolate, expresso, some tobacco, lightly charred ashyness, and a subtle bitterness. As it warms there is a not previously noticebale heat as it warms. Just a little tingle on the back end.
The body is excellent. A solid medium bordering on full, which for a barrel aged beer doesn't always happen. Very nice creamy texture.
I was not a big fan of Chocolate Sombrero, so I was skeptical with this one. I feel like it didn't have any pepper character. This one does. You really have to let it warm though. As I type this sentence the heat from the peppers is becoming even more noticeable. I am amazed at how supressed it is at a colder temp. I have never had a BB Bomb!, but this is what I would expect for the most part. There is some good with the bad though. While the spice aspect improves, the heat/alcohol becomes more noticeable too. can't say that I ever noticed any cinnamon, but I still think the balance and taste of this beer is world class. One of the better barrel aged beers Clown Shoes has done.
★ 1,721 characters
4.44/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle dated 2/23/16 poured into a DFH Signature glass L: pitch black with a thin mocha head and spotty lacing with viscous alcohol legs S: bourbon chocolate peppers T: follows the nose with the bourbon oak vanilla chocolate and a slight peppery finish F: smooth milky feel with a dry alcohol finish O: very enjoyable stout but needs more peppers to match the Mexican theme.
★ 379 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
22oz bottle dated 2/23/16 poured into a DFH Signature glass L: pitch black with a thin mocha head and spotty lacing with viscous alcohol legs S: bourbon chocolate peppers T: follows the nose with the bourbon oak vanilla chocolate and a slight peppery finish F: smooth milky feel with a dry alcohol finish O: very enjoyable stout but needs more peppers to match the Mexican theme.
★ 379 characters
3.75/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Better than el lechedor but not as good as my black parade. Lighter in body. Light barrel flavors.
Not as hot and peppery. Not too spicy. More roasted.
★ 152 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Better than el lechedor but not as good as my black parade. Lighter in body. Light barrel flavors.
Not as hot and peppery. Not too spicy. More roasted.
★ 152 characters
4.4/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours nice and dark with nice head. Espresso, vanilla, canon pepper to a bourbon finish.not over powering spice at all which made it really enjoyable.
★ 151 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Pours nice and dark with nice head. Espresso, vanilla, canon pepper to a bourbon finish.not over powering spice at all which made it really enjoyable.
★ 151 characters
4.39/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 4/3/16... like a month old 22oz bomber.
Look is black, with nice foamy dark tan head that persists while leaving spotty lacing.
Smell is sweet, with plenty of bourbon notes that don't completely mask the pepper and spices.
Taste is more chocolate than expected. Vanilla, spices and bourbon arrive in waves. The spices come last and are obvious yet delicate enough to not overwhelm the other flavors. Really well done.
Feel is tremendous. The pour doesn't look thick, but what it lacks in body it makes up for with excellent carbonation and late developing creaminess. Bitterness arrives late, everything flows together, just really good.
Overall, I like this style and was excited to try this so I'm happy to say it wasn't a let down. Its different than a Prairie Bomb (more bourbon, thinner) and doesn't punch you in the face with spice like a xocoveza, it just delivers the goods in a well developed and layered package. A+
★ 938 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 4/3/16... like a month old 22oz bomber.
Look is black, with nice foamy dark tan head that persists while leaving spotty lacing.
Smell is sweet, with plenty of bourbon notes that don't completely mask the pepper and spices.
Taste is more chocolate than expected. Vanilla, spices and bourbon arrive in waves. The spices come last and are obvious yet delicate enough to not overwhelm the other flavors. Really well done.
Feel is tremendous. The pour doesn't look thick, but what it lacks in body it makes up for with excellent carbonation and late developing creaminess. Bitterness arrives late, everything flows together, just really good.
Overall, I like this style and was excited to try this so I'm happy to say it wasn't a let down. Its different than a Prairie Bomb (more bourbon, thinner) and doesn't punch you in the face with spice like a xocoveza, it just delivers the goods in a well developed and layered package. A+
★ 938 characters
4.46/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
May 2, 2016
Bomber, snifter
A – Basically pitch black, maybe a tinge of deep brown. A rich chocolate-tan head, thin but moderately long-lasting. Pours somewhat thick, though not quite viscous/oily.
S – Vanilla bean, chocolate, and some cinnamon and maple syrup notes. A bit of warm spice on the back. Some fruity notes of plum, and light licorice and toffee, maybe tobacco. Very sweet nose, but pleasantly so.
T – Brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, cocoa, coffee, and cinnamon. Fruity notes of cherry and plum along with distinct cola flavor and a hint of tobacco. Some stone fruit, reminiscent of pomegranate, and earthy herbal notes, along with moderate bitterness. Very complex.
M – Very sweet up front, and thick on the tongue, obscuring some significant hop bitterness and creating a great balance. A warm bite, mostly from the alcohol it would seem though perhaps a bit of chili heat on the finish. Carbonation is moderate-low, dry enough to not leave lingering sugars.
O – This is an outstanding barrel-aged stout, as all of the components involved come together and interplay nicely for a complex, flavorful, rewarding brew.
★ 1,157 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
May 2, 2016
Bomber, snifter
A – Basically pitch black, maybe a tinge of deep brown. A rich chocolate-tan head, thin but moderately long-lasting. Pours somewhat thick, though not quite viscous/oily.
S – Vanilla bean, chocolate, and some cinnamon and maple syrup notes. A bit of warm spice on the back. Some fruity notes of plum, and light licorice and toffee, maybe tobacco. Very sweet nose, but pleasantly so.
T – Brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, cocoa, coffee, and cinnamon. Fruity notes of cherry and plum along with distinct cola flavor and a hint of tobacco. Some stone fruit, reminiscent of pomegranate, and earthy herbal notes, along with moderate bitterness. Very complex.
M – Very sweet up front, and thick on the tongue, obscuring some significant hop bitterness and creating a great balance. A warm bite, mostly from the alcohol it would seem though perhaps a bit of chili heat on the finish. Carbonation is moderate-low, dry enough to not leave lingering sugars.
O – This is an outstanding barrel-aged stout, as all of the components involved come together and interplay nicely for a complex, flavorful, rewarding brew.
★ 1,157 characters
4.34/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into stout glass. It pours a dark mahogany - nearly black - with a thick, mocha-colored head and lacing. It smells of dark chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon. The smell isn't very boozy. The taste follows the nose and the flavors are at the same time rich and mellow. It opens with dark chocolate, mocha, and sweet vanilla. Next comes the bourbon, which is super smooth. It finishes with a nice peppery taste. This stout is creamy but not terribly viscous. It is lightly carbonated and I really didn't notice the 11% ABV; there is no real fuego. Overall, this is a typical Clown Shoes stout: well-crafted, delicious, and fun to drink.
★ 639 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured into stout glass. It pours a dark mahogany - nearly black - with a thick, mocha-colored head and lacing. It smells of dark chocolate, vanilla, and bourbon. The smell isn't very boozy. The taste follows the nose and the flavors are at the same time rich and mellow. It opens with dark chocolate, mocha, and sweet vanilla. Next comes the bourbon, which is super smooth. It finishes with a nice peppery taste. This stout is creamy but not terribly viscous. It is lightly carbonated and I really didn't notice the 11% ABV; there is no real fuego. Overall, this is a typical Clown Shoes stout: well-crafted, delicious, and fun to drink.
★ 639 characters
4.21/5 rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bomber. Pours near black, thin tan head fades, little soapy lace. Nice Chocolatey bourbon aroma. Taste is chocolate, subtle pepper spice, bourbon, blends together seamlessly. Mouthfeel is thin to medium. Solid pepper stout by Clown Shoes.
★ 242 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Bomber. Pours near black, thin tan head fades, little soapy lace. Nice Chocolatey bourbon aroma. Taste is chocolate, subtle pepper spice, bourbon, blends together seamlessly. Mouthfeel is thin to medium. Solid pepper stout by Clown Shoes.
★ 242 characters
4.57/5 rDev +11.2%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Look - pitch black, no light coming through.. thin head that dissipates quickly
Smell - huge milk chocolate notes up front with sweet vanilla and smooth bourbon.. not much spice at all.
Taste - rich and complex, very tasty. A lot of chocolate and vanilla, smooth bourbon on the backend, and again only a subtle hint of those mexican spices. A little alcohol burn but not in a bad way at all. Enjoyable to say the least.
Feel - medium, velvety smooth.
Overall - Great stuff. Very enjoyable beer but definitely a sipper. Kinda wish there were more spices/peppers typical of a mexican stout, but nonetheless a must have.
★ 617 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Look - pitch black, no light coming through.. thin head that dissipates quickly
Smell - huge milk chocolate notes up front with sweet vanilla and smooth bourbon.. not much spice at all.
Taste - rich and complex, very tasty. A lot of chocolate and vanilla, smooth bourbon on the backend, and again only a subtle hint of those mexican spices. A little alcohol burn but not in a bad way at all. Enjoyable to say the least.
Feel - medium, velvety smooth.
Overall - Great stuff. Very enjoyable beer but definitely a sipper. Kinda wish there were more spices/peppers typical of a mexican stout, but nonetheless a must have.
★ 617 characters
4.78/5 rDev +16.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Really rich flavor. Thick and creamy it's like a melted chocolate shake with bourbon. There's also a pleasant mocha presence. This is extremely well done, the whiskey isn't overpowering yet it definitely shines through adding a very nice finish. Highly recommend this one to the stout lovers.
★ 292 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Really rich flavor. Thick and creamy it's like a melted chocolate shake with bourbon. There's also a pleasant mocha presence. This is extremely well done, the whiskey isn't overpowering yet it definitely shines through adding a very nice finish. Highly recommend this one to the stout lovers.
★ 292 characters
3.97/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Not a fan of whiskey, but must try some of these as barrel aging is so en vogue. CS can be a bit of a crap-shoot, but they have some great brews. This one pours with a darkness and thin skim of mocha foam. Aroma thankfully has nice rich notes of cocoa and roast amid the obvious booze. Flavor is similar, with more of the whiskey coming through, but still yielding some room for chocolate and vanilla. My favorite aspect of this is by far the incredibly smooth mouthfeel and mild, clean finish. Quality brew for sure. If only I could enjoy whiskey...
★ 550 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Not a fan of whiskey, but must try some of these as barrel aging is so en vogue. CS can be a bit of a crap-shoot, but they have some great brews. This one pours with a darkness and thin skim of mocha foam. Aroma thankfully has nice rich notes of cocoa and roast amid the obvious booze. Flavor is similar, with more of the whiskey coming through, but still yielding some room for chocolate and vanilla. My favorite aspect of this is by far the incredibly smooth mouthfeel and mild, clean finish. Quality brew for sure. If only I could enjoy whiskey...
★ 550 characters
4.31/5 rDev +4.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22oz. capped bomber into a Surly teku. Shared with schen9303.
Nose is burnt chocolate fudge brownie, cocoa powder and the slightest tickle of booze. There's no spiciness apparent but it smells damn good. Flavor is of toasted coconut, chocolate, mocha, fudge, lactose and booze with a touch of chili spice at the end. Pretty simple but its so well integrated and balanced. Really impressive. Smooth and chewy on the palate with a great, dense and lightly carbonated body. Smooth and a touch hot on the finish and from the chili addition. Just very good all around.
Clown Shoes consistently turns out some of the best imperial stouts on the market. They're not rare or limited or anything like that but they certainly rank up there with the best of them.
★ 756 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
22oz. capped bomber into a Surly teku. Shared with schen9303.
Nose is burnt chocolate fudge brownie, cocoa powder and the slightest tickle of booze. There's no spiciness apparent but it smells damn good. Flavor is of toasted coconut, chocolate, mocha, fudge, lactose and booze with a touch of chili spice at the end. Pretty simple but its so well integrated and balanced. Really impressive. Smooth and chewy on the palate with a great, dense and lightly carbonated body. Smooth and a touch hot on the finish and from the chili addition. Just very good all around.
Clown Shoes consistently turns out some of the best imperial stouts on the market. They're not rare or limited or anything like that but they certainly rank up there with the best of them.
★ 756 characters
4.29/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dark black pour with one finger of light brown head. Retention and lacing are very good. The aroma is complex and delicious. A great mix of chocolate, spice, oak, bourbon. On taste, the bourbon hits first, with some barrel notes. Then waves of chocolate and finally, the slow burn of the spice. The spice is subtle, but present. Full bodied, low-moderate carb, and really smooth. Nicely balanced finish. Excellent brew!
★ 419 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Dark black pour with one finger of light brown head. Retention and lacing are very good. The aroma is complex and delicious. A great mix of chocolate, spice, oak, bourbon. On taste, the bourbon hits first, with some barrel notes. Then waves of chocolate and finally, the slow burn of the spice. The spice is subtle, but present. Full bodied, low-moderate carb, and really smooth. Nicely balanced finish. Excellent brew!
★ 419 characters
3.89/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Inch or so tan head with fairly good retention; leaves behind some lacing when it finally dissipates. Beer itself has the dark coloration you would expect from this style.
S: Aroma is strong of bourbon off the bat with hints of vanilla. I wish I got more of the pepper here. As it warms the bourbon notes start giving way to chocolate notes.
T: Follows the aroma closely, though I can taste the peppers in here as well. The peppers offer a nice contrast to the sweetness and booziness coming from the bourbon, but they don't shine like they do in some other beers of this style. As it warms the peppers do start to come out more, but this still seems like a missed opportunity to really let them shine and stand out from the glut of BBA beers available.
F: Some thickness to it, but still goes down smooth.
O: Solid for the style, but not my favorite BA peppered stout. Let this sit for a few after taking it out of the fridge to really get all of the nuances.
★ 974 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: Inch or so tan head with fairly good retention; leaves behind some lacing when it finally dissipates. Beer itself has the dark coloration you would expect from this style.
S: Aroma is strong of bourbon off the bat with hints of vanilla. I wish I got more of the pepper here. As it warms the bourbon notes start giving way to chocolate notes.
T: Follows the aroma closely, though I can taste the peppers in here as well. The peppers offer a nice contrast to the sweetness and booziness coming from the bourbon, but they don't shine like they do in some other beers of this style. As it warms the peppers do start to come out more, but this still seems like a missed opportunity to really let them shine and stand out from the glut of BBA beers available.
F: Some thickness to it, but still goes down smooth.
O: Solid for the style, but not my favorite BA peppered stout. Let this sit for a few after taking it out of the fridge to really get all of the nuances.
★ 974 characters
4.6/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2016 vintage fresh poured into a pint glass it has a black body and a inch thick beige head of thick foam. Smell of spice, heat, vanilla, chocolate, some bourbon, coffee, and earth. Taste is tons of spice, chocolate, coffee, end of vanilla, nice amount of bourbon and heat, and earth. Mouth feel is nice and full with a creamy full carbonation and body. A tad bit too much alcohol but a very good mexican style stout none the less.
★ 431 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2016 vintage fresh poured into a pint glass it has a black body and a inch thick beige head of thick foam. Smell of spice, heat, vanilla, chocolate, some bourbon, coffee, and earth. Taste is tons of spice, chocolate, coffee, end of vanilla, nice amount of bourbon and heat, and earth. Mouth feel is nice and full with a creamy full carbonation and body. A tad bit too much alcohol but a very good mexican style stout none the less.
★ 431 characters
Luchador En Fuego from Clown Shoes
4.11
out of 5
based on 846 ratings.
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
**
09/16/2016
Mexican Chocolate Stout Tasting with D.C.
Best tasting yet.
All 6 beers were anywhere from very good to magnificent.
1. Clown Shoes Luchador en Fuego
2. Weyerbacher Sunday Mole' Stout
3. Avery Xolotl
4. Stone Xocoveza
5. Stone Xocoveza Charred
6. Clown Shoes Chocolate Sombrero
--
22 oz. bottle to snifter.
LOOK: CREAMY TAN HEAD.
AROMA: Whiskey dominates, vanilla, peppers.
TASTE: Pepper and Whiskey play nice together. Chocolate, Sweet Vanilla add great flavors. Really tasty.
FEEL: Full Bodied, low carbonation.
This is a really nice beer and obviously not using Chocolate Sombrero as a base as it is much much more.
1st of 6. of this already impressive group.
**
★ 701 characters