Today I hustled over to Pike Brewing to try their Cerveza Rosanna, a chili beer brewed for yesterday's Cinco de Mayo. A lot of chili beers are just a gimmick, crappy beers with the only draw being the novelty of spiciness. However, when a craft brewer attempts one I'm always interested in trying it since I figure they'll do something interesting and the beer underneath has the potential to be skillfully crafted. I realize a lot of people find the idea of spicy chili beer disgusting, but if you like both beer and spicy things, marrying the two isn't so crazy. Brewer Drew Cluley used green chili peppers and poblanos in the Cerveza Rosanna from an old recipe that the brewery's owners, Charles and Rose Finkel, brought back since re-acquiring the brewery in 2006. I've gotta say that the Rosanna is a good beer. Served on cask, it's a clear amber color and you can pick up the faint smell of peppers in the aroma. Sweetness from the malt hits your tastebuds first and then spiciness hits the back of your mouth and throat. The burn from the chili lingers but doesn't overwhelm. Serving the beer on cask lets the flavors come out more strongly than if it had a lot of carbonation, something that works since the beer is solidly executed underneath the spiciness. Most amber ales don't have flavors that jump out at you. I think the best examples of the style are ones that have a distinctively hoppy edge or some other characteristic that makes them unique. The Pike Cerveza Rosanna fits into that category by substituting a spicy edge for a hoppy edge. While a little of this beer may go a long way, it's a well-made and interesting beer that's worth trying. Unfortunately, it won't be on for long. The Pike is estimating that they only have enough of the cask left to make it through some of happy hour tonight. If you want to try some, you'd better get down there soon.
Pike Brewing Cerveza Rosanna
Daily Deal for Los Angeles
72% off
Four Kids' Dance Classes
Parenthood is a delicate ballet -- especially when the dance floor is covered in Lego pieces. Offer your kids some building...
Join Examiner.com on Facebook
Comments
Sounds delicious. Can you recommend any other spicy beers?
I've had some excellent chili beers from Elk Head (in Buckley) the past couple years at Strange Brew.
If given the opportunity, you should try to make it down to McKinleyville, CA to visit 6 Rivers Brewing Company. They have a great Chile pepper beer.
http://www.sixriversbrewery.com/chile.shtml
Seriously, the Rogue is a winner. The heat comes along side the beer subtly and doesn't overpower.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!