Han Shot First
J. Wakefield Brewing

 

Appearance - The beer poured a silky black color with a dark tan head crowding the glass.

Smell - The nose had a strong current of chocolate sweetness. It did not seem awfully sweet.

Taste - there was a lot of chocolate in the spare. There were also notes of vanilla, Twizzlers licorice, and light coconut. The peppers were light and did not provide a lot of heat. Maybe this is an older bottle. The chocolate continued into the aftertaste, but it was not sweet or overly cloying.

Mouthfeel - The body was smooth enough to suggest the use of lactose. It almost seemed like a lightly carbonated milkshake.

Overall - I wanted a bit more out of this one, but it was enjoyable.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From the Velvet mouthfeel to that final tinge of heat, this beer is an experience to be appreciated. So many flavors, but all balanced and delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Standing at the point where Mexican, Miami and craft beer converge, the J. Wakefield team devises a concoction to have all three facets crawling to the brewery. Their special release stout is one of imperial stature, laced with cocoa and vanilla and then supercharged with smoked ghost peppers. Proceed with caution.

Han Shot First billows throughout the room with rich and robust collection of scents that suggest chocolate cake, liquor and mole. Tar-like in its appearance, the beer's oily consistency has it nestling patiently in the glass and simmering with a trickle of mocha froth, legs and lace. Its first sip slathers the early palate with chocolate, coffee, cake and sweet bourbon.

The stout simply massages the tastebuds thereafter, rubbing her sweet maltiness deep into the soft tissues of the mouth, bringing a highly dessert-like taste that starts with death by chocolate cake, batter and brownie; soon stemming into black walnut, campfire and nuances of grilled fruit. A hint of spice seems of alcohol but has the staying power of capsaicin with a light citrus kick. Vanilla, cashew, caramel, coconut and cherry bring the bourbon cast of characters to finish the taste bold, rich and spicy.

Mildly vinous, savory and decadent, suggestions of tawny port come as the lavishly full bodied beer coats the mouth unapologetically. A long trail of malt, heat and booze suggests that the beer doesn't pair with dessert, but rather replaces it altogether.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On tap at the brewery. Black body. Head doesn’t last long. Smell is a little phenolic. Some bourbon. Sweet smelling too. Tastes sweet up front. Brown sugar. Milk chocolate. Some bourbon, but not prevalent. A little bit of banana. Pepper builds quickly. It’s not a strong flavor, but it lends a lot of raw spiciness. Heavy body. Spice cuts the sweetness, but it’s still a sugar monster.

 

Personally, I think this beer is truly amazing. Thick and viscous with a great nose. Once you start sipping it, you get that chili pepper heat. The more you drink, the stronger the heat becomes. Eventually it coats your entire throat with a film of truly hot chili pepper heat. You don't really get the pepper flavor, just lots and lots of heat that you feel predominantly in your throat not your mouth. I love spicy so I do admit this beer is an acquired taste. Truly exceptional and one of a kind though.