Prebeer Preamble: These days, brewers will throw just about anything into a beer if it will boost sales. Beer drinkers are increasingly experimental in their tastes, and beer-makers are moving to accomodate. Today’s “show beers” are but one example of this “extreme beer” phenomenon: chili beers. Is adding hot pepper to your brew more than a mere stunt? Joining me in this investigation are “Eat Your Beer” contributor Michael R. Mennenga, as well as Tim Adamec and Kris Mayo from the “Food Geeking” podcast. As we enjoy some good grub, we ponder (pickled?) peppers…
Beer#1: Cave Creek Chili Beer. The Black Mountan Brewing Company in Cave Creek, Arizona has been brewing this clear-bottle beer since 1989, and serving it up at their colorfully named “Crazy Ed’s Satisfied Frog” brewpub, building a big fan-base. So what do we, beer/foodcasting upstarts, think of this relatively ancient sizzle-brew? We munch on chips and guacamole and discuss.
Interbeer Interlude: Microbrewed “RFD part 3″ OMG, things are getting ugly in D.C.! Phil Rossi and Tee Morris (along with Command Line and friends) have reached the end of their epic (dare I say “extreme”?) night at Washington’s largest mega-multi-tapped pub, and they’ve enjoyed every minute of it. Find out how the evening wraps up, and just who should be calling a cab…(part 3 of 3)
Beer #2: Next Mike, Kris, Tim and I try the Rogue Chipotle Ale, brewed with smoked jalapeno chiles. Rogue has a big reputation in the craft beer world, and they tout a complex drinking experience with this one. As we nibble on Tim’s applewood-smoked baby back ribs, we ponder the wisdom of hot beers.
Beer Geek Moment: “Extreme Beers” Brewing with chile peppers is but one example of the wider phenomenon known as extreme beer. This Moment takes you through some history, and lays out the pros and cons of this “hot” beery topic.
Postbeer Postscript: We now put on our critical hats big-time, as the review crew pulls out the numbers. This show easily holds the record for the largest spread between highest and lowest scores. Who gives what a 6 (!) for a total score? Tune in and find out!
Charlie, Charlie, Charlie, please don’t tell me you had Cave Creek first. My God man were you trying to kill them, oh the humanity. I hope you have a good meal to clean the taste buds between beers.
Dude, I wanted to end on a good note, and in that I think I found success!
used to sell the Cave Creek at my folks’ liqour store in here in Nebraska, the only time it was real popular was in the winter for x-mas and new years parties. it kept you warm and you sure weren’t going to drink to much to get drunk. I don’t know of anyone who ever finished a six pack.