Cayenne Imperial Stout
Morgan Ridge Railwalk Brewery And Eatery

 

 

 

Look: It pours very dark brown with a tan head. Head retention is low.

Smell: It has a sweet and spicy aroma with roast. It has a strong aroma of sweet plums. The spice comes from Cayenne which is low.

Taste: The flavors are fairly balanced between the roast, cayenne, and plums. The combination of plums and roast gives is a spicy hot and sweet combination. There is a bit of vanilla very low in the background.

Feel: It has a medium full body with a sweet and spicy finish.

Overall, the cayenne begins to dominate through the taste although the other flavors are still apparent. Sweetness of the esters is a bit more that I would like.

This is not my favorite. The cayenne gives it a tang that just doesn't fit the dark, richness of what I've come to expect from an imperial stout. I think it does benefit from not being as thick as other stouts, allowing the cayenne flavor pass through and not sit in your mouth and dominate. Not much head. Interesting experience. I've only had Cave Creek Chile Beer once, which is the only other spicy beer I've tried. Once will probably be enough for this one, too.

Well here we have a very fine North Carolina only Cayenne Imperial Stout. This brew is made by Tommy and Amie Baudoin who started making their own wine and then later became successful in their works six years after their start in 2007. This stout is 10% abv, has 25 IBUs, and a SRM of 35. This craft is very complex with flavors of chocolate and roasted notes with a little heat from Cayenne pepper. This beer is exactly what I was expecting it to be. The chocolate is on the nose (of course) and the finish has a nice Cayenne pepper kick to keep you on your toes. At 10% abv, and a pint of it, this beer is definitely a great local brew. If anyone in NC sees this on a shelf or travels to Salisbury, this is a must have. One of the most unique beers I have ever had and could not ask for more from it.