Dark and Picante
Beyond the Pale Brewing Company

Predominantly chile notes on this stout, compared to other components of a "Mexican chocolate cake stout." Lacking on the cocoa nibs, chocolate, lactose, etc that I had expected. The spice is fairly prominent though, more so than many chile stouts, so it will definitely appeal to many. Pretty solid base under the added ingredients.

Too interesting to just be a holiday special! Could see myself drinking this all year long. Dark chocolate, espresso, black pepper, and just a little heat. Instant favourite, too bad about the price!

Out of retirement. Listed a 9% ABV. Served cold-ish into a tulip. Part of the Beyond the Pale stout Christmas pack. Canned AUgust 30, 2023.

Appearance - Very dark brown, nearly black with multiple fingers of light brown head. Great staying power.

Smell - Chocolate cake. Chocolatey bits with plenty of sweetness. A little earthiness and maybe a butterscotch streak.

Taste - Rich chocolate cake, not too sweet, but just enough to be balanced. Lots of cakey goodness in the aftertaste as well as a strong bitter streak through. Some spiciness at the end but rather subdued.

Mouthfeel - Full bodied with expressive carbonation. Not really chewy either and some nice warming heat in the back of the throat from the spiciness and from the high ABV.

Overall - Very good Mexican Cake style Imperial Stout, with lots of flavor, but at the same time sticking to the basics to make this one core element very well executed.