Hellapeno
Mirror Twin Brewing

Seemingly crawling out of the pits of hell, the fiery flavor of jalapeno fully embeds itself into the spicy hops and somber solace of caramel malt. That poor pale ale never saw it coming.

Hellapeno is a testament to ale exorcism as a mild mannered balance of floral hops, citrus and granola is tormented with the spicy tinge of green vegetation and a curious but slightly uncomfortable scent of something more sinister. Pale gold and hazy, the frothy ale easily hides its spicy soul underneath. Malty sweet to start, the beer's grain influence lays a bed of caramel, light honey and graham cracker to buffer the tastebuds from the initial brunt of peppers.

And as the sweetness retreats, the hops grow from a floral perfume and into a sharp citrus taste of grapefruit, orange peel and a light tropical flare. Trending green, herbal and bitter, the common spice of hops is interrupted with the vegetal brightness of grassiness, bell pepper and radiant capsacin heat. Bitterness and spice give a dry and crisp taste to the beer's finish.

Bright and zesty, the medium bodied beer seems lighter and drier with the piquant heat that the peppers provide. A bold simmering warmth is like a small hint of lava that calderns underneath the dry caramel, nuttiness and piney hop impressions that remain through a medium long aftertaste.