Much to my delight, I was wrong - the brewers at 75th Street have put a new spin on a prior release, the Chocolate Ascent. They've added cayenne to this delicious brew and named it - you guessed it - "Hot Chocolate". It's just as rich and chocolatey as the original Chocolate Ascent, with a warming kick at the end. Very drinkable and a really nice alternative to an already-great beer. It reminded me quite a bit of those dark chocolate truffles with chili powder. Rich, slightly bitter, roasted chocolate taste followed by warmness then a slightly sharp pepper flavor. Well done, 75th Street!
In other news, it looks like Sierra Nevada is releasing yet another year-round beer! It's due to arrive some time this summer and is borne of German-style Hefeweizen. They're using open, shallow fermentation tanks rather than those tall, cylindrical fermenters, leading to more complex flavor found in German hefe.
Kellerweis is a light and refreshing beer with deep complexity of flavor. The yeast provides hints of fruit flavors and spices, including ripe banana and clove. This hazy-golden beer glows with suspended yeast creating a velvety texture; perfect for a sunny California day.Is it summer yet?
Thanks for the heads-up on the Kellerweis! I really love Sierra Nevada's beers, and I'm hoping this will be no different. I think it's a good addition, too, as the Pale Ale is pretty hoppy, Torpedo is REALLY hoppy, and it's tough to want to drink a stout when you're tailgating or grilling out or something. This will be a welcomed addition to the lighter side of things. I'm hoping this will be more of a German style wheat (sounds like it by the name) than an American wheat. As much as I like beers like Boulevard Wheat, Goose Island's wheat, etc, I am pretty worn out on that style. I want to get hit on the head with bananas and cloves when I open a Kellerweis!
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