Glassware: Snifter.

Appearance: As black as the ace of spades with a short brown head which quickly retreats to the rim. Next to no lace as we go.

Aroma: Right now, one of us hopheads is going through a chilli phase (for about the 3rd time in his life) so anything with chilli in it is practically a sure thing at the moment. The ultimate is when you can pair it in food and beer but in this case we’ll settle for it in beer form only. Straight up smells like a chilli and dark chocolate block straight out of the wrapper. Other notes of ash, raw cacao, cherry, goji berry, mulled wine, vanilla and herbal tea. Wow. Very unique.

Flavour: It mirrors the aroma quite well. Tastes like a boozy chilli and chocolate block with added flavours of smoke/ash, goji berry and vanilla. We must admit the first couple of sips were lacking intensity but each sip afterwards seems to build and build…much like a fiery chilli dish. Nice chilli flavours too come to think of it… chocolatey, fruity, smoky and earthy, conveying their natural flavours and heat in the finish and then well past it.

Mouthfeel: A tad too thin and oily for our liking but the warmth from the chillies, the Co2 and the well hidden 9% ABV makes up for it.

Overall: Our first entry for this English craft brewery. We’re kinda fence-sitting on it. It’s good but nothing spectacular. The chilli components were integrated well but the lack of body really holds it back.