Mikkeller Chipotle Porter

Wow, I am sore as anything. I’ve been back at the gym for a few weeks steadily now, but I’ve started hitting the weights really hard and heavy. I am definitely feeling this week. No joke, everything is sore. But, at least I’m starting to see results and I always feel better when I’m at the gym. Some people have therapy, instead I have the gym. It’s one of the few places that I can really clear my hand. I think I’m going to sleep really well tonight, especially after a brew.

ABV: 6.6%

Style: American Porter

Trivia: According to wikipedia, “A chipotle or chilpotle, is a smoke-dried jalapeño which tends to be brown and shriveled. It is a chili used primarily in Mexican and Mexican-inspired cuisines, such as Mexican-American and Tex-Mex. There are many varieties of jalapeños which vary in size and heat. In Mexico, the jalapeño is also known as the cuaresmeño and gordo. Until recently, chipotles were almost exclusively found in the markets of central and southern Mexico. As Mexican food became more popular abroad, especially in North and South America in the late 20th century and into the 21st century, jalapeño production and processing began to expand into northern Mexico to serve the southwestern United States, and eventually processing occurred in the United States and other places, such as China.”

Random: This beer is also known as Texas Ranger.

I’m a huge fan of spicy food. I will put hot sauce on almost anything. So, when I saw a beer with chipotle peppers, I had to grab it. I had a Rogue beer that was made with chipotles a few years ago and really enjoyed it. Since I’ve finally finished getting the blog up to date, I think this brew will be the perfect end to my night. This brew poured with a two finger tan head on an almost black body. The head dissipated after a few minutes and left some lacing on the glass. There was no visible carbonation due to the color. The nose presented with some notes of chocolate and a very mild hint of smoke. There was no sign of the peppers in the nose. On the taste, the chocolate notes come out first, then a bit of smoke and then at the end, a nice bite of spice. I found the peppers! This almost reminded me of a mole sauce. The chocolate just went right into the smoke and the spice. The spice wasn’t overpowering, but it definitely lets you know that it’s there. The finish lingered with this spice, almost like the residue of hot sauce on the tongue. The peppers definitely dominate the flavor at the end, not that I’m complaining… The body of the beer is a little thicker than expected and presents with moderate carbonation. This is definitely a unique beer and one that I’m really digging. I wish that I had some guacamole to go along with this one. I would definitely have this brew again.

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