Molé’d Almendrado
Sapwood Cellars Brewery

 

Canned 1/9/24. “Toasted by Mike” stamped on the bottom of the can

Sapwood Cellars has been quite the odd brewery for me so far. I’ve only had 2 beers from them, but both were out there. A barrel aged Vienna Lager and a smoothie style Kettle Sour that were both good despite their idiosyncrasies. This one sounds the most promising of all, a molé inspired Stout with amburana wood. I’m intrigued so let’s just dive right in

Pours completely pitch black with 2 fingers of creamy dark tan head that slowly fades to a thin ring and leaves minimal lacing

It shows a great balance in the nose, spicy and sweet in equal measure. I’m picking up on aromas of earthy cinnamon, cacao nib, raisin, chipotle, black cherry, smooth oak, vanilla bean, burnt caramel, molasses, and guajillo

It’s even more expressive in taste, I’m all about this one. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting chipotle, cocoa powder, earthy cinnamon, spicy amburana, raisin, vanilla bean, red grape, medium roast coffee, and chili powder. The swallow brings notes of cacao nib, guajillo, chili powder, dark roast coffee, molasses, burnt caramel, earthy cinnamon, vanilla bean, amburana, and light raisin

A medium full body pairs with gentle carbonation, resulting in a slick beer. Finishes quite sticky but dries out over time

This one isn’t as strange as the others, but it is damn good. The mouthfeel leaves a bit to be desired but I can’t complain

can pour; pour is thicc and black with a light brown ring around the glass. Nose is really nondescript. Flavor is excellent wthout being overpowering. Body is full, and the finish has light spice notes.

Glad to have gabbed a couple of cans of this wonderful Imp Stout before it got away.
Just a thick black /dark brown brew with a full tan whipped cream head that dissipated per its ABV…but left a ton of lacing, thin residual body and full tan halo. From a can?? Gorgeous!
Nose was subdued coming out of frig but exploded with warming in second half of glass. Full of chiles, Mexican chocolate, vanilla and wood. Taste expanded on this with almonds coming out more. Also the blend of ancho and guajillo is a classic pairing in Mexican adobos; then combined with the gentle intrusion of cinnamon from the amburana as well as the cacao made for elements of a solid Mole.
Body is medium creamy thick but not overboard. Carbonation is very effervescent but stays light; fine brightness not any burning on the tongue. Related, no alcohol burn from ABV…just hints of heat from the chiles.
This wonderfully complex master craft brewed beer is a standout in any comparison. But it’s the first beer in this style that has ever had me recall the joy of my first Hunahpu.
Top class!

Black viscous appearance with very light head that recedes quickly to a collar, little to no lacing. Very balanced chocolate, vanilla, and almond notes, light chile notes, sweet malt. Thick body, light carbonation, silky mouthfeel.