M31 - Sirrah
Wellington Brewery

355 mL can included in a Wellington M31 gift pack at the LCBO; dated Sep 28 2023 and served barely chilled.

Pours jet black, fitted with an inch-thick crown of creamy, foamy, light tan-coloured head that steadily dissipates. Approximately five minutes later, it has been reduced to a frothy, sudsy collar and filmy cap, with a decent swath of lace around the perimeter. The aroma has plenty of cocoa, alongside notes of plum, bourbon, coffee, vanilla and moderately pungent chilis; minor hints of charred wood, molasses and cinnamon.

It's flavourful, but it's also kinda all over the place - i.e. there's lots going on, but it's not entirely cohesive. Vanilla sticks out at the forefront, giving way to chocolate, cocoa powder, caramelized sugars and bourbon by mid-sip. The chili heat gains momentum later on, peaking on the back end with notes of cinnamon, burnt wood, bitter coffee grounds and earthy hops; boozy chocolate & vanilla aftertaste with low-key pepper heat lasting for several seconds. Full-bodied, with low carbonation that brushes limply across the tongue; the peppers provide most of the prickle.

Final Grade: 4.11, worthy of an A-. M31 Sirrah is an interesting brew that, but for a couple of minor flaws, has all the makings of a top notch flavoured BBA stout. I'd rank this a bit higher than Andromeda (the 'base' M31), mostly because I enjoyed the chili pepper contributions, which jive well with the cinnamon and cocoa. Some folks may appreciate the vanilla - and at least in theory, vanilla *should* synergize with chocolate & chilies - but personally, I think Wellington was a little too generous with that ingredient. No matter, I still enjoyed this quite a bit, and would buy it again as a single - try it if you can find it.