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Prairie Artisan Ales Christmas Bomb! – American Double / Imperial Stout at 11% ABV

Prairie Artisan Ales Christmas Bomb! American Double / Imperial Stout at 11% ABV (Trade – thanks Bayman4048!, 355 ml, no bottle date or best before, reviewed 31-Mar-2016)

Appearance: nearly opaque black with brown highlights, one finger of fine creamy beige head, excellent retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: chilli pepper, dark chocolate, red berries, light ginger and Christmas spices. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, mild bitter, mild spice. (7/10) Palate: full creamy body, moderate carbonation, and an off-dry lightly boozy and building spicy finish. (4/5)

The chilli spice was somewhat unexpected, but surprisingly well-balanced and integrated. I’ve been at best less than impressed with pretty much every other chilli spiced beer I’ve tried, but this actually pulls it off. I suspect this works because of the addition of chocolate into the mix, which puts me in mind of a mole sauce. Add to that the nearly invisible double digit ABV, and you’ve got a seriously explosive mix. (15/20)

7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com