Freak’N Habanero Pale Ale
The weather has been a little “chili” lately, huh? Well Freak’N Brewing Company’s “jack of all trades, master of most”, Renee, begged (then demanded!) we brew a southwest styled “winter warmer”. Her first thought was a Habanero Pale Ale. (She was really missing Ballast Point’s Habanero Sculpin!)
On Dec. 3rd at What Ales Ya she (with help from the Freak’N Brewmasters) brewed a base pale ale: OG 1.055, SRM 13.76, and IBU 32. The idea was to make a full bodied pale ale with copper-ish color, and low IBU’s. They wanted the habanero to be the focus. Habaneros & chipotle peppers were added into the secondary fermentation where the beer conditioned for 2 weeks. Then it was kegged and served.
It’s amazing! The beer is copper with great clarity and big bubbles. A thick, white head leaves a perfect lacing on the glass. The aroma is subtle habanero, not enough to singe your nostrils, but definitely present. The flavor mirrors the smell, very present habanero, but not enough to burn your tongue or throat.
I’ve had a few chili beers in my time and I hate when the heat ruins my pallet. This beer was designed to balance the heat and perceived bitterness with a thick mouth feel and malty, bready sweetness. People’s pepper tolerances vary, but I’m very impressed with this beer.
~ By Freak’N Brewmaster Doug