Fireside Chat
21st Amendment Brewery
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- From:
- 21st Amendment Brewery
- California, United States
- Style:
- Winter Warmer
Ranked #127 - ABV:
- 7.9%
- Score:
- 80
Ranked #28,605 - Avg:
- 3.52 | pDev: 15.91%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 21, 2022
- Added:
- Oct 19, 2010
- Wants:
- 47
- Gots:
- 281
SCORE
80
Good
80
Good
Notes:
Like FDR’s Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.
Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.
Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by Hooded:
1.9/5 rDev -46%
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1 | feel: 4 | overall: 1
by Hooded from Texas
Notes from 4/20/2020.
Poured from a 12oz can into a Rastal nucleated Teku glass.
The body is a very dark brown with 2 fingers of tan head. Retention is a little above average leaving a not quite thin cap. 4.00
The aroma is very low in strength and all I can get is a hint of sweetness and spice. 2.75
The taste is a little below medium-high in strength and I'm trying to get past the unfortunate medicinal flavor. There's some spices, and then the awful medicinal flavor attacks. It's like someone took an ancient leather shaving kit that has old dried smeared toothpaste and shaving cream, and stinks of stale aftershave. Then they poured water into the shaving kit, thoroughly shook it up, and poured it into a glass. There's a moderate bitter finish which perfectly excentuates the medicinal ancient shaving kit flavor. 1.00
The mouth feel is medium in thickness, a little creamy, and has a low astringent finish. 4.00
Overall, it's irredeemable. 1.00
Apr 30, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 1 | feel: 4 | overall: 1
by Hooded from Texas
Notes from 4/20/2020.
Poured from a 12oz can into a Rastal nucleated Teku glass.
The body is a very dark brown with 2 fingers of tan head. Retention is a little above average leaving a not quite thin cap. 4.00
The aroma is very low in strength and all I can get is a hint of sweetness and spice. 2.75
The taste is a little below medium-high in strength and I'm trying to get past the unfortunate medicinal flavor. There's some spices, and then the awful medicinal flavor attacks. It's like someone took an ancient leather shaving kit that has old dried smeared toothpaste and shaving cream, and stinks of stale aftershave. Then they poured water into the shaving kit, thoroughly shook it up, and poured it into a glass. There's a moderate bitter finish which perfectly excentuates the medicinal ancient shaving kit flavor. 1.00
The mouth feel is medium in thickness, a little creamy, and has a low astringent finish. 4.00
Overall, it's irredeemable. 1.00
Apr 30, 2020
More User Ratings:
3.56/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by BitteNochEinWeissbier from Pennsylvania
12 oz can
Glass: 0.4L Tulip
Serving Temp: unsure. Maybe 55-60 degrees F
Look: Dark brown bordering on black and opaque. Large khaki head dissipates to 1", leaving good lacing on the glass.
Smell: Toasted grains and toasted caramel. Nice and malty. Hints of cocoa. Cinnamon and some nutmeg.
Taste: Similar to the nose but more intense. Very malty. Toasted bread and caramel. Nutmeg. Some cinnamon. Earthy bitterness that builds towards the end.
Feel: Smooth with a medium body.
Overall: An easy to drink spiced ale/winter warmer. I like the maltiness (as opposed to the sweetness that some other winter warmers exhibit) and the fact that the spices don't hit you over the head. The body is a bit light for my preferences for a proper deep-cold winter warmer, but it's fine for temperatures in the 30s and 40s.
Mar 21, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5
by BitteNochEinWeissbier from Pennsylvania
12 oz can
Glass: 0.4L Tulip
Serving Temp: unsure. Maybe 55-60 degrees F
Look: Dark brown bordering on black and opaque. Large khaki head dissipates to 1", leaving good lacing on the glass.
Smell: Toasted grains and toasted caramel. Nice and malty. Hints of cocoa. Cinnamon and some nutmeg.
Taste: Similar to the nose but more intense. Very malty. Toasted bread and caramel. Nutmeg. Some cinnamon. Earthy bitterness that builds towards the end.
Feel: Smooth with a medium body.
Overall: An easy to drink spiced ale/winter warmer. I like the maltiness (as opposed to the sweetness that some other winter warmers exhibit) and the fact that the spices don't hit you over the head. The body is a bit light for my preferences for a proper deep-cold winter warmer, but it's fine for temperatures in the 30s and 40s.
Mar 21, 2022
3.5 by TMoney2591 from Illinois on Mar 02, 2022
4.22/5 rDev +19.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Mark-Leggett from Missouri
Poured from a can. Brown with a large tan head and lacing. Smells of vanilla, lactose, nuts, roasted grain and dark fruit. Flavors follow the smell and are really meshed well together. Really like the feel and the flavor. Very good
Feb 03, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
by Mark-Leggett from Missouri
Poured from a can. Brown with a large tan head and lacing. Smells of vanilla, lactose, nuts, roasted grain and dark fruit. Flavors follow the smell and are really meshed well together. Really like the feel and the flavor. Very good
Feb 03, 2022
4.72 by Lainee from Illinois on Jan 01, 2022
3.71 by generalraider from New Jersey on Nov 30, 2021
5/5 rDev +42%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by VacheronVoisin
It was a wintry day as I sat by the wayside, an old radio popped on and drifting through the air I assumed I heard the voice of FDR giving a rather solemn announcement, only it wasn't that old sport but none other than Kris Kringle admonishing the world that Christmas would be cancelled if we didn't go out and wrangle a can of Fireside Chat from our nearest store.
Almost as if transported through a sleigh ride- there it was in all its glory; even still I wasn't totally taken by the illustration of FDR. I surmised it was all marketing and I rather begrudgingly grabbed the beers and went on my way, sure of the possibility that it would be just some potentially lame offering from 21st amendment.
It's easy to get suckered in by their illustrations and end up disliking the beer, but this was something different. As I would soon discover it would provide a state of perfection not easily tasted in these days...
It poured a brown-sugar-brown, and I threw it down the ol' hatch, expecting some form of mediocrity. That was until I realized it was the best blasted beer I'd ever tasted this side of the Rio Grande.
The smell was raisins drenched in honey, and a hearty dollop of pumpkin pie sweetness lingering like an oatmeal-raisin cookie crumble.
Mouthfeel was less than medium, highly crisp, yet smooth.
The taste as was faithfully described didn't disappoint, before I knew it I was toasting to both FDR and Kris Kringle, I could have swung on a chandelier if there was one. Raisins stuffed into chewy oatmeal cookies, waterfalls of caramel winding their way to my stomach, and all the spices of India summarized in a single, subtle, sublime note. Not too much spice, not too faint, the balance itself deserved an award.
And most surprisingly, the alcohol heat was nowhere to be found, a disappearing act that the best magician would be proud of.
Overall: I would not hesitate to give this the equivalent of 3 Michelin stars and 5 forks and knives, or just a solid 5/5. This will undoubtedly aid in the enjoyment of any holiday feast. A brilliant and blessed beer, one to truly savor.
Nov 18, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
by VacheronVoisin
It was a wintry day as I sat by the wayside, an old radio popped on and drifting through the air I assumed I heard the voice of FDR giving a rather solemn announcement, only it wasn't that old sport but none other than Kris Kringle admonishing the world that Christmas would be cancelled if we didn't go out and wrangle a can of Fireside Chat from our nearest store.
Almost as if transported through a sleigh ride- there it was in all its glory; even still I wasn't totally taken by the illustration of FDR. I surmised it was all marketing and I rather begrudgingly grabbed the beers and went on my way, sure of the possibility that it would be just some potentially lame offering from 21st amendment.
It's easy to get suckered in by their illustrations and end up disliking the beer, but this was something different. As I would soon discover it would provide a state of perfection not easily tasted in these days...
It poured a brown-sugar-brown, and I threw it down the ol' hatch, expecting some form of mediocrity. That was until I realized it was the best blasted beer I'd ever tasted this side of the Rio Grande.
The smell was raisins drenched in honey, and a hearty dollop of pumpkin pie sweetness lingering like an oatmeal-raisin cookie crumble.
Mouthfeel was less than medium, highly crisp, yet smooth.
The taste as was faithfully described didn't disappoint, before I knew it I was toasting to both FDR and Kris Kringle, I could have swung on a chandelier if there was one. Raisins stuffed into chewy oatmeal cookies, waterfalls of caramel winding their way to my stomach, and all the spices of India summarized in a single, subtle, sublime note. Not too much spice, not too faint, the balance itself deserved an award.
And most surprisingly, the alcohol heat was nowhere to be found, a disappearing act that the best magician would be proud of.
Overall: I would not hesitate to give this the equivalent of 3 Michelin stars and 5 forks and knives, or just a solid 5/5. This will undoubtedly aid in the enjoyment of any holiday feast. A brilliant and blessed beer, one to truly savor.
Nov 18, 2021
3.9/5 rDev +10.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by harrypowers from Massachusetts
Pours a dark translucent mahogany with a small tan head and some lacing.
Smells of malt and caramel.
Tastes of sweet malt and caramel with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Medium body with slight carbonation. Lightly syrupy mouthfeel.
This brew is a decent representative of the type.
Nov 16, 2021
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
by harrypowers from Massachusetts
Pours a dark translucent mahogany with a small tan head and some lacing.
Smells of malt and caramel.
Tastes of sweet malt and caramel with cinnamon and nutmeg.
Medium body with slight carbonation. Lightly syrupy mouthfeel.
This brew is a decent representative of the type.
Nov 16, 2021
3.83/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
by MrOH from Malta
Brown with ruby highlights, dense khaki head, excellent retention, rings of lace
Deep malty aroma- toffee, bread, and toast, along with some cinnamon and nutmeg
Big British malt flavor, biscuits and toffee, way too much nutmeg, cinnamon is good, though
A bit too thin for what I want in a winter warmer, but carbonation is spot on
A bit more body and a bit less spice and this would be great
Nov 07, 2021
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
by MrOH from Malta
Brown with ruby highlights, dense khaki head, excellent retention, rings of lace
Deep malty aroma- toffee, bread, and toast, along with some cinnamon and nutmeg
Big British malt flavor, biscuits and toffee, way too much nutmeg, cinnamon is good, though
A bit too thin for what I want in a winter warmer, but carbonation is spot on
A bit more body and a bit less spice and this would be great
Nov 07, 2021
3.5/5 rDev -0.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a clear dark brown color with a frothy two finger tan head. Medium lacing was present. Nose is almost non-existent . . . just a hint of malt and spice. Taste follows the nose but more pronounced. The finish has a lingering sweetness and hop bitterness. Mouthful was good with a moderate body and light-moderate carbonation.
Feb 04, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by lastmango from Pennsylvania
Poured a clear dark brown color with a frothy two finger tan head. Medium lacing was present. Nose is almost non-existent . . . just a hint of malt and spice. Taste follows the nose but more pronounced. The finish has a lingering sweetness and hop bitterness. Mouthful was good with a moderate body and light-moderate carbonation.
Feb 04, 2021
4.03 by Gemini6 from Michigan on Jan 31, 2021
4.07 by Seshin from California on Jan 29, 2021
3.4 by Thanatosbat777 from Georgia on Jan 04, 2021
2.96/5 rDev -15.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by GregBarleycorn13 from New York
Poured a nice medium brown. Looked like it could be a good Winter Warmer. But the spices weren't all that pronounced. Had a decent English ale taste and quite bitter. I wouldn't get this again as it wasn't all that interesting.
Dec 24, 2020
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
by GregBarleycorn13 from New York
Poured a nice medium brown. Looked like it could be a good Winter Warmer. But the spices weren't all that pronounced. Had a decent English ale taste and quite bitter. I wouldn't get this again as it wasn't all that interesting.
Dec 24, 2020
3.76 by Sayb from Arizona on Oct 25, 2020
3.78/5 rDev +7.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by EnderFett11 from Virginia
Poured moderately hard from a can into a snifter glass, forming two fingers of foamy white head that soon faded to heavy lacing with major legs. Brown and slightly orangey body. Smell is a bit of barley and spices, pretty subtle. Taste follows the smell, with barley forward and some spices in the mid, but after taste is still barely. Moderate carbonation and just shy of medium bodied.
Oct 24, 2020
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by EnderFett11 from Virginia
Poured moderately hard from a can into a snifter glass, forming two fingers of foamy white head that soon faded to heavy lacing with major legs. Brown and slightly orangey body. Smell is a bit of barley and spices, pretty subtle. Taste follows the smell, with barley forward and some spices in the mid, but after taste is still barely. Moderate carbonation and just shy of medium bodied.
Oct 24, 2020
3.77/5 rDev +7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by TBoneJones from Texas
Nice creamy brown-bodied appearance/ creamy head and lacing.
Nose is malt and hops with caramel and some spice like clove, basically nice.
Taste is toasted caramel and spiced bread, with an odd cider-like/ astringency that lingers. But there’s a nice bitterness and even a bit of char n the roasted and even woody notes. Any overall sweetness is of light brown sugar, but is subtle.
Feels medium-smooth with medium carbonation. Dry finish.
It’s actually kind of complex.
Aug 11, 2020
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by TBoneJones from Texas
Nice creamy brown-bodied appearance/ creamy head and lacing.
Nose is malt and hops with caramel and some spice like clove, basically nice.
Taste is toasted caramel and spiced bread, with an odd cider-like/ astringency that lingers. But there’s a nice bitterness and even a bit of char n the roasted and even woody notes. Any overall sweetness is of light brown sugar, but is subtle.
Feels medium-smooth with medium carbonation. Dry finish.
It’s actually kind of complex.
Aug 11, 2020
3.59 by jaxon53 from Connecticut on Jul 11, 2020
3.92 by henry_lansing from Illinois on Mar 30, 2020
4 by kjkinsey from Texas on Jan 19, 2020
4.06 by ckeegan04 from Texas on Jan 12, 2020
3.57 by loganburgh from Michigan on Jan 02, 2020
4/5 rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by HorseheadsHophead from Colorado
Very dark appearance. Cola brown. Black in the middle and dark brown on the edges. The head is creamy and tan with great retention and lacing.
The aroma smells like brown bread, burnt sugar, and roasted nuts.
The taste is rich brown bread and toffee with lots of dark chocolate. Hints of ginger and generic spice, but the malt dominates over the spices. Finishes with a touch of earthy hops and lingering roasted, black coffee bitterness.
Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky.
A fine beer. I wish the spices were a bit more prominent, but it's a delectable Winter Warmer.
Dec 29, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
by HorseheadsHophead from Colorado
Very dark appearance. Cola brown. Black in the middle and dark brown on the edges. The head is creamy and tan with great retention and lacing.
The aroma smells like brown bread, burnt sugar, and roasted nuts.
The taste is rich brown bread and toffee with lots of dark chocolate. Hints of ginger and generic spice, but the malt dominates over the spices. Finishes with a touch of earthy hops and lingering roasted, black coffee bitterness.
Smooth and creamy mouthfeel, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky.
A fine beer. I wish the spices were a bit more prominent, but it's a delectable Winter Warmer.
Dec 29, 2019
3.75 by archero from Texas on Dec 27, 2019
3.11 by Dduquette from Maryland on Dec 12, 2019
3.37/5 rDev -4.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by EMV from Pennsylvania
Poured from a 12 oz can into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Beautiful clear mahogany pour with 2+ fingers of foamy white head. Great retention and lacing. Very attractive beer.
S: Malts and spice. Christmas in a beer can, with nugmeg, clove, and cinnamon.
T.F: Semi-sweet and malty... overspiced with all of the above... cloying and earthy. Some hop bitterness for balance. Medium bodied.. a bit boozy... and a shit-ton of spice at the finish.
O: Not really my thing. It's a spice-rack extravaganza with a big boozy malty beer. Not one I'd grab again.
Dec 09, 2019
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by EMV from Pennsylvania
Poured from a 12 oz can into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Beautiful clear mahogany pour with 2+ fingers of foamy white head. Great retention and lacing. Very attractive beer.
S: Malts and spice. Christmas in a beer can, with nugmeg, clove, and cinnamon.
T.F: Semi-sweet and malty... overspiced with all of the above... cloying and earthy. Some hop bitterness for balance. Medium bodied.. a bit boozy... and a shit-ton of spice at the finish.
O: Not really my thing. It's a spice-rack extravaganza with a big boozy malty beer. Not one I'd grab again.
Dec 09, 2019
3.03 by miwestcoaster from Michigan on Nov 30, 2019
3.68 by DownyIsHungry from Minnesota on Nov 23, 2019
3.6 by zonker17 from Texas on Nov 21, 2019
3.13/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by rodbeermunch from Nevada
First had this in 2012 at Canfest (now defunct, marketing company bought it, ran it into the ground). Was the perfect beer to have there as opposed to taking a chance on an entire six pack in the wild (retail).
Rolls into the glass as a brown cola like color. Big ol' 1" beige head on the top, very good retention, was waiting to be able to drink this one. Aroma of dark fruit. Was hoping for the malt to lead the way first, but here its yeast and spice rack derived therefrom.
Taste, ok there's more of that dark fruit bitterness, more than desired. Supplement that with some nutmeg and coriander alongside every other conceivable addition from the spice rack. The combination of the high alcohol and high bitterness is not a winner in my book. I think I prefer my winter warmers to be less about the belgian spice rack and more about a rich malty existence. While substantially less strong, almost watery for style, I still prefer the Samuel Smith's version.
Nov 18, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3
by rodbeermunch from Nevada
First had this in 2012 at Canfest (now defunct, marketing company bought it, ran it into the ground). Was the perfect beer to have there as opposed to taking a chance on an entire six pack in the wild (retail).
Rolls into the glass as a brown cola like color. Big ol' 1" beige head on the top, very good retention, was waiting to be able to drink this one. Aroma of dark fruit. Was hoping for the malt to lead the way first, but here its yeast and spice rack derived therefrom.
Taste, ok there's more of that dark fruit bitterness, more than desired. Supplement that with some nutmeg and coriander alongside every other conceivable addition from the spice rack. The combination of the high alcohol and high bitterness is not a winner in my book. I think I prefer my winter warmers to be less about the belgian spice rack and more about a rich malty existence. While substantially less strong, almost watery for style, I still prefer the Samuel Smith's version.
Nov 18, 2019
4.3 by Valdez_Mescalito from Michigan on Nov 15, 2019
3.95 by mysticx401 from Illinois on Jul 29, 2019
2.68 by Oh_Dark_Star from Washington on Apr 21, 2019
3.78 by kybeerdrinker from Kentucky on Apr 13, 2019
3.99 by 88caprice from Virginia on Mar 08, 2019
4.43 by HeathbarATL from Georgia on Feb 24, 2019
3.46 by Karibourgeois from Texas on Jan 23, 2019
3.2 by Jotunsynth from Illinois on Jan 12, 2019
3.75 by mpenske from California on Jan 07, 2019
4.24/5 rDev +20.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Dr_Gonzo from Kentucky
Poured into a tall clear pint glass. Dark, illuminating mahogany/cola color that's clear and easy to see through. Really foamy, thick sudsy tan head with excellent retention and lacing.
Notes of nutmeg and cinnamon come first. Others include dark fruit, Christmas spices, coriander, brown sugar, cloves, prunes, molasses, herbal hops, and maybe some toast.
Taste is much like the aroma and feels lightly smooth. Very pleasant aftertaste of lingering spices and warmth that really does make me feel like I'm by a fireplace. Altogether very well balanced and impressive.
Jan 05, 2019
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by Dr_Gonzo from Kentucky
Poured into a tall clear pint glass. Dark, illuminating mahogany/cola color that's clear and easy to see through. Really foamy, thick sudsy tan head with excellent retention and lacing.
Notes of nutmeg and cinnamon come first. Others include dark fruit, Christmas spices, coriander, brown sugar, cloves, prunes, molasses, herbal hops, and maybe some toast.
Taste is much like the aroma and feels lightly smooth. Very pleasant aftertaste of lingering spices and warmth that really does make me feel like I'm by a fireplace. Altogether very well balanced and impressive.
Jan 05, 2019
Fireside Chat from 21st Amendment Brewery
Beer rating:
80 out of
100 with
1372 ratings