CINCO DE HABERNERO ~ BIG RIG

Cinco De Habanero is a one-off from Big Rig Brewery in Ottawa. It is a light lager brewed with Habanero peppers. Sampled on draught, the beer [poured a light golden colour with a tight white head. The nose contained subtle pepper spiciness along with typical lagery smells. The beer begins with a light refreshing clean lager, with light malt and subtle hops. The peers are found at the end, when a subtle kick of hotness finds the back of your throat. The finish has both black pepper and hot pepper spiciness along with an earthiness. The hotness is not overdone in fact it is a little understated, but adds a surprise at the end. I thought I’d just have one to try but ended up having several. This beer is surprisingly drinkable and interesting in a good way. The finish had some lingering spice but was otherwise dry. The carbonation was moderate and the beer was light bodied. Worth a try.

4% from Ottawa, Ontario

SPEARHEAD ~ JAMAICAN FIRE

Holy smokes this stout is packed with flavour! Sampled on draft, this beer is brewed with coffee, mangos and scotch bonnet peppers. The beer poured a nice dark brown, with a large cream coffee brown head and lace. The nose has lots of very dark roasty malts, and coffee with hints of spice. The taste is packed with explosive flavour. Tons of full bodied coffee and roasted malts start the beer. Then the spice kicks in with a warming heat. The peppers are not overpowering but do give a wee kick! The subtle heat lingers. Enjoyed the half pint I had, but couldn’t commit to any more. A bold and very tasty brew.

Malts: Pale malt, Maris Otter, Carabohemian, Black Prinz, Roasted Barley
Hops: Northern Brewer, Goldings,
Yeast: California Ale
Other : mango, Scotch Bonnet Peppers and coffee

7% from Ontario     IBU 35