El Toro Fuerte
Saucony Creek Brewing Company + Gastropub

Saucony Creek Brewing Co. "El Toro Fuerte"
on tap at the brewery on 24 Sept 2016

Notes: "The Strong Bull" aged on Chipolte and Ancho peppers. Anchos, which are dried Pablanos are not that hot, but chipoltes, which are dried and smoked Jalapenos are. Let's see. Hazy deep mahogany body beneath a creamy head of light tan. Limited head retention and lacing - might be from the acids in the peppers, or it might be just a dirty bar glass. Aroma of caramel, light cocoa powder, and peppery spiciness. The flavor follows but it's much fuller, including notes of toasted malts and some dark fruits as well as the expected pepperiness - although the dark fruitiness may be coming from the peppers themselves. It's a touch earthy and smoky as well, but you wouldn't confuse it for a smoked beer, it's just a supporting component. The heat is fairly mild, at least at first - it does build on you, but not to the point that you'd want to push it away. I didn't notice any alcohol, but it is just 8.0% ABV, and I'm not sure if you could really pick it out separate from the heat from the peppers anyway. Medium bodied with a slightly less than standard carbonation. I enjoyed it just on it's own as it didn't seem to match with the flat bread that I was having, but I'd imagine that it would pair quite well with a lot of different items. Interesting, and not over-done. Charming, in fact! It's not a beer that I'd have more than one of, but I am hoping to enjoying another one the next time I stop by.