Ancho Lime Paradise Lager

At the end of yet another cool, wet day, I figured it was time to warm things up a bit. I cracked open a bottle of Flying Dog Ancho Lime Paradise Lager. This beer is the second release in the brewery's Heat Series. The first offering, Oaked Chipotle Ale, was the subject of a musing last month.

Ancho Lime Paradise Lager pours a bright golden color with a pure white head. The aroma is that of faint bread, with some citrus lime hints detected as well. The immediate flavor is mildly sweet corn and bread, with a lime zest. As I stood up to pass the glass to Colleen, I remarked "Well, I don't get much heat.... Oh, there it is." The Ancho, or dried poblano peppers, provide a mild pepper burn that comes late to the back of the tongue and throat. It's short-lived, and only mildly cumulative.

The deep-in-the-throat tingling burn reminded Colleen of the burn from a mild sore throat. Perhaps not the most flattering description, but somewhat apt. Of course the burn from the beer is much more pleasant that any sore throat I've ever experienced.

The Ancho Lime Paradise Lager grew on me as I sipped. As with the previously mentioned Oaked Chipotle Ale, the heat aspect of the beer is mellow, just enough to provide an interesting twist, but not overwhelm. The ancho heat, the zest of the lime, and the sweet corn flavors all combine for a refreshing drink. It was a treat on the rainy, cool Spring evening. I suspect it will be even more fitting at the finish of a hot Summer day.