Chili Beer - Calapooia Brewing Company

ardeano

Oregon

4.45/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Although I have had this beer every time I head over to Albany, I have a taste and think - man that's gots some heat to it! It's a good starter but get the taster first to see if you think you can handle a pint - DON'T WASTE BEER! My buddy will have 2-3 pints and I wonder how he does it! It packs some heat - more heat than your going to expect...

I really wanted to write a review for this beer to tell every one: COOK WITH THIS BEER! The pub makes their chili with it and it's FANTASTIC! So my bro and I got a pint to take home and throw it in a crock pot with a pork shoulder and BLAM - instant greatness! It added so much to the shoulder I could not believe it!

If you have ever thought about cooking with beer this is the beer to do it with - I don't think you could miss...

Serving type: on-tap

11-24-2010 00:08:13 | More by ardeano

msubulldog25

Oregon

4.18/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

One of my favorite things about the annual Spring Beer & Wine Festival (Portland) is that Calapooia brings this beer year after year. I discovered it in 2007 and have made a point of having it multiple times ever since. Finally sat down to review a full glass (12 oz+/-) from the tap, my first beer on Friday.

A: Pours a slightly murky amber with a thin film of creamy whiteness, clinging as a slightly thicker ring. Little sticking flecks, otherwise no lace.

S: Huge pepper aroma, opens the nose immediately. The scent of chopped jalapeños pops from the glass; it's like a plate of nachos covered in pepper slices. Not much else, but when it's a 'chile' beer, it's about the peppers first and foremost for me.

T: Those peppers hit quickly, Serrano/Anaheim/Jalapeño warmth rolls in waves. Whatever hopping is minimized, but a bready/crackery malt does balance the heat.

M: Maybe a little thin, but the oily warmth the peppers bringing fills the mouth within seconds, chafing the troat on the way down. Carbonation is mild, lingering fresh pepper is actually refreshing.

D: I recognize that this beer isn't for everyone (given that I saw several people dump full tasters after one small sip); I also know that it's been a People's Choice winner, too. About as polarizing as it gets, I am in the camp that loves this stuff; in fact I'm salivating right now as I type my notes. Proceed with caution, but absolutely worth seeking if you like peppery heat in your beer.

Serving type: on-tap

04-12-2009 19:24:40 | More by msubulldog25

SurlyDuff

Oregon

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Medium-bodied and amber in color.

Minimally hop presence.

According to the gal, this one is flavored with fresh Anaheim, Serrano, and Jalapeno peppers. Probably my second chilie beer ever, but proved to be quite good.

Had this one ontap in Portland. It's not overkill, not even close. I don't know if I could do a whole pint unless I had it with some food. Something good and bready, like pizza perhaps.

It has made me reconsider and open my mind about fellow pepper beers.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2008 01:44:45 | More by SurlyDuff