Don't Fear The Reaper
Mirror Twin Brewing

Mirror Twin has always prided themselves in being identically different. This plays out as "duo" brands in their taproom that are identical, but with one obvious change. I was hoping that they would have twinned this carolina reaper, trinidad moruga scorpion pale wheat ale with a tums, milkshake pale wheat ale.

But there's no dice and I take on their Don't Fear The Reaper with no safety net. Unassuming to the eye, the pale goldenrod pour brings a standard wheaten haze and a frothy off white head. Collapsing under the oils of capsaicin, the quick stillness of the beer should have been warning signs of death looming as a pass of the nose might as well be of mace. Eye watering aromas of peppery spice adorn a pineapple and orange heavy scent while the early taste is gentle with pillowy wheat, pastry, and shortbread.

But any semblance of softness is quickly dominated by a volcanic explosion of peppercorn that ranges through spicy, hot and eventually extreme chili pepper heat. But before that all transpires, the underling beer works hard to battle the heat with the sweetness of citrusy blood oranges and exotic pineapple succulence. Wheat adds a creamy character while a hop profile of apple, grapefruit and mango adds complexity and charm for those who can fight through the spice. A vegetal finish is somewhat coffee and green bean-like as the pulp of those peppers play in a true garden variety.

Medium bodied but seemingly much drier, the extreme heat of the beer has a sweat inducing dryness and fast pace of consumption as each sip simmers heatedly on the finish, begging for a sip of something to put out the fire. But that tums beer ain't coming so any reprieve is another sip of... yes, that same thing that you were told not to fear.