Holy Mole Chili Chocolate Brown Ale
Portside Distillery & Brewery

 

I picked up a bomber of this a few months back because I though this looked/sounded interesting via the label and had it sitting in my cellar until earlier tonight when I cracked it open. Poured into my pint glass, this beer pours a clear, medium to dark amber/copper color with a slightly tan, off-white, foamy, fizzy head that is well over an inch thick when first poured that has pretty damn good retention and excellent lacing. Aromas of somewhat roasted caramel malt sweetness along with some spicy notes to be sure, but not much else really in the smell department. Flavors of toasted caramel malt sweetness that give way to the mole and chili pepper spiciness. There is certainly a nice burn here from the peppers. The spice burn is certainly more prevalent in this beer than a lot of other beers that have chilies in them that I've drank and reviewed here on this site, but for a chili head like me it is not too much or too overpowering in this beer. The burn is just right. If you are a chili head you'll likely enjoy this beer. No discernible hop presence here. The main reason this beer is not getting a better rating from me here is because I feel it is too one dimensional. The peppery heat notes dominate and there isn't enough of a malt and or hop presence to compliment this aspect and to make this beer a little bit more well rounded out. Has a crisp, slightly prickly, smooth, medium bodied mouthfeel with moderate carbonation and a clean finish. The heat from the chili pepeers really lingers on the palate after each sip, and I really like that here. I can see this beer being very hit or miss for most people. Worth a try in my opinion, but if you don't like hot peppers you should avoid this one.

Eric