Chicha - Inti
Dos Luces Brewery

 

 

 

 

Malted blue corn, clove, and cinnamon. Pink and cloudy, this is very different from any other beer. Clove comes through strongly in the aroma, with a slight nuttiness from the corn. Taste is reminiscent of a spiced or mulled cider, with a malted corn sweetness that makes this very drinkable. Clean finish with no bitterness (because there are no hops), but a slightly sour tinge that contrasts the sweetness.

 

i have never had a full on chicha before, so its tricky to rate this, not really sure what it is supposed to be like, but it sure doesnt seem like beer, and i wonder if this place even belongs in this space here on BA, is this even beer? its fermented with ale yeast, but that seems like the only similarity. this is a blue or purple corn based drink, traditionally chewed up before being brewed, not sure if they do that here or not. its dead still from the tap, lightly milky and purplish in color in the little clay glass they serve it in, but smells and tastes really appealing. i get less of the corn than i think i wanted to, and its a bit sweet, to me more of a chai tea type drink, creamy feeling and fuller bodied, with cinnamon and clove obvious, but also nuances of yellow cake and vanilla, not too sweet to drink a whole one, but i wouldnt make an evening of it. the lack of carbonation surprised me, i think some would be nice in here. it feels old worldy and interesting, even if the yeast is flavorless, but it doesnt taste or feel anything like beer. id love to hear an expert weigh in on this...