Flying Dog Chipotle Ale

Flying Dog Brewing is putting out five seasonal beers this year in what they are calling their Heat Series. The first of these beers, released in February, is Oaked Chipotle Ale. I cracked open a review bottle from the brewery after dinner this week.

Oaked Chipotle Ale pours a deep mahogany color with a thin beige head. Right away there's a smoky, rauchbier-like aroma. As the beer warms I also start to pick up a mild charred pepper note. The initial flavor is a slightly sweet, caramel malt with a touch of smokiness. At first sip, I didn't notice any heat, then it arrived in the back of my throat. First very faint, then gone. Another sip or two and it builds, with a cumulative effect. The predominate flavor is that of smoked malt, with the heat of the chipotle lingering just in the background. Neither the smoke nor the pepper notes are extreme, but are just enough to be noticed and enjoyed, not overly assertive.

I found the Oaked Chipotle Ale to be mild beer with a pleasing flavor combination. It seems that with smoked beers, and pepper beers alike, folks are quite opinionated. Either you enjoy them, or you absolutely do not. The charred chipotle flavor of this one puts in decisively in the "love it or leave it" category.

This bottle of tasty brew was an unsolicited review sample from the brewery. The drinking was done of my own free will.