Just because hops are the main seasoning in beer doesn’t mean they have to be the only
one. You can put lots of other things in a beer (and many brewers do).
Orange peel, coriander, oregano, fruit, mustard seeds-I’ve enjoyed beers
with these and many other things added to spice things up. One of my
favorite additions, however, are hot peppers.
Hot peppers can add a real zing to a beer. They won’t take the place of
hops, but they will complement them nicely. My favorite pepper beers will
have a good dose of spiciness to them, but aren’t so overpowering that you
can’t drink an entire bottle or pint.
Rogue’s Chipotle Ale is a little different from most of the pepper
brews I’ve tried. That’s because the chipotle is a slightly different pepper
than most. Chipotles are smoked jalapenos, with medium heat about the same
as an unsmoked jalapeno. They do add a different flavor to beer or food than
your average pepper, too.
Thus my excitement when I saw Rogue Chipotle on tap last night. The beer is
sold in 22 ounce bottles, too, but I wasn’t about to wait until I stumbled
upon one. So I ordered up a pint and waited with great anticipation of a
beer with gusto (no, not Schlitz). A beer with smoky flavors. A beer with
heat.
I ended up getting most of that, though not as much as I wanted. Here’s some
information on the beer from Rogue:
Dedicated to Spanish author Juan de la Cueva, who, in 1575, wrote of a
Mexican dish that combined seedless chipotles with beer: Chipotle Ale is
based on Rogue's Oregon Golden Ale, but delicately spiced with smoked
chipotle chile peppers. Deep golden in color with a tight head, rich malty
aroma, delicately smooth and crisp flavor, and subtle chipotle chili finish.
Formerly known and packages as Mexicali Rogue, Chipotle Ale is created from
Northwest Harrington, Klages, and Maier Munich Malts; Willamette and Cascade
hops; and Smoked Jalapeno (Chipolte) Peppers. Chipotle Ale is targeted for
spring release and available in a 22-ounce bottle and on draft. Blend it
with Rogue Chocolate Stout and create a Mole' black and tan!
My glass was actually a dark reddish color rather than golden, so I am
assuming the recipe has been changed. There was a light smokiness detectable
in the nose, and the nutty chocolaty Munich malt was definitely dominant in
the palate.
As I sipped, I picked up a faint bit of smoke flavor, but it was very subtle
indeed. The same was true for the peppery spiciness, it was faint, but it
was there and added a bit of zip to the beer. I did like the way that it
interacted with the Munich malt flavors.
In the finish, a bit more of the pepper flavor emerged, tingling on the
tongue and the roof of the mouth. But it was still a lot less prevalent than
I would have liked. Overall, I found this to be a nice enough beer, and a
quite drinkable one. But it definitely could use a little more pepper
flavor. Some more smoke and some more heat would really make this a treat.
Still, it’s good enough to wash down spicy fare or a simple burger for that
matter.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For
reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.