Light My Fire Chilli Belgian Ale
Six String Brewing Company

Tonight’s beer has been sitting in the fridge a while now, partially because it hasn’t had universal acclaim in the Aussie craft beer circles, partially because it sounds like a Frankenstein’s monster of a brew (a Chilli Belgian Pale Ale), and partially because I had too many other damn good beers to review. But I digress, here is: Six String Light My Fire Chilli Belgian Ale. I will say one positive thing [just one?] about this Six String beer: the can looks great, love the marketing, with its canary yellow can and devil on the front (there’s a connection with the chilli and also the ABV, which is 6.66%). Of course it’s all well and good [and frankly a basic requirement] to have good marketing these days, but the proof, as always is in the pudding beer.

Poured from a 375ml can into a Duvel tulip.

A: Clear copper-coloured body with a hearty Ecru head that begins at 3 centimetres and drops back to a thin blanket on top. Next to no lace on the side of the glass. Nothing to write home about, in fact I feel like I’ve spent a few too many words describing this beer already. 6/10.

S: Powerful chilli-spice on the nose, kinda reminds me of my home-made fireball whiskey (which was waaay too overpowered by chilli) with further hints of pepper in the Belgian yeast used – this is going to be one spicy MOFO. Here’s hoping they balance that heat out with other flavours. 6/10.

T: Not as bad/hot as expected, but also it’s a bit thin on flavours with: Birdseye chilli, cracked pepper, hint of apple/pear, and a dry cracker malt base. Flavour is muted overall before the chilli comes in with a “hee-ya” roundhouse kick in the aftertaste. Finish is dry, which also serves to amplify the chilli character (when it really didn’t need it). That said, being a chilli lover, I quite enjoy that lingering burn in the back of my throat. 6/10.

M: Medium bodied with a reasonably dense carbonation – weirdly I usually find Six String’s beers lacking in body, but not this time. 8/10.

D: Well it wasn’t great, but Light My Fire has managed to impress me in a way that Six String beers usually do not [they average below 6/10 for me normally – which is not great]. Pros: the chilli burn is good, as is the body. Cons: pretty much everything else. I am however keen to try their Double Dark Red Ale though, as I do like their single Dark Red Ale [it’s currently my fav Six String brew], and even though I’m not a fan of their work I do admire their spirit and gusto. 6/10.

Food match: Pasta Arrabbiata with a dash (or three) of Tabasco sauce.