Lips Of Faith - Cocoa Molé - New Belgium Brewing

seedsofchaos

Illinois

3.33/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

My local bottle shop just got this in tonight and a buddy and I decided to give it a go-around. I can definitely say, Cocoa Mole is like nothing else I've ever tried.

Cherry cola in color, Cocoa Mole pours with just a skimming of a head. Although dark, it has great clarity, active carbonation and highlights of ruby. The aroma is immediately sweet. This smells more like freshly baked cinnamon churros than a beer. Just a touch of cocoa and a touch of fresh sweet pepper but mostly sweet malts and cinnamon..

The bouquet isn't immediately echoed in the flavor as black pepper and alcohol are perceived first. Barleywine-esque malt sweetness comes in quickly on this full bodied brew. Definitely... Without a doubt... Spicy!! Cocoa Mole is so spicy, in fact, that it makes me feel as if I've just eaten a stuffed habenero and am on the verge of heartburn. Eventually, your palate gets used to the edge and a subtle chocolate begins to take its place among flavors of churro batter, cocoa and fresh peppers.

This is definitely a unique beer and, whereas I wouldn't be opposed to having another some time in the future, I wouldn't seek it out ever again. This is for sharing and sipping as the lingering spice can be quite unappealing at times. Different but not necessarily in a good way...

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 02:28:11 | More by seedsofchaos

oberon

North Carolina

4.18/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is the most interesting of the Lips of Faith beers I have had.Poured a deep mahogany brown with a thin tannish colored head atop.Smells of chocolate,vanilla bean,and cinnamon,to me like Mexican hot chocolate,really cool.A bunch of stuff going on on the palate with chocolate being predominant as well vanilla,cinnamon and chili comes into play at the back end providing a slow burn.A little light in the mouth but thats the only small drawback to the beer,it's the most interesting take on a chile beer I have had.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2012 21:23:27 | More by oberon

dogfish90

California

4.35/5  rDev +9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz. bottle from Sunset Beer Co.

Appearance - Dark Brown in color with little to no head. Small head is caramel in color.

Smell - Heavy cinnamon/chocolate aroma mixed with chiles and various piney spices

Taste - Immediate and robust burst of Cinnamon/chocolate and french toastesque flavors as well as chile and spices.

Mouth Feel - Smooth with a caramel resin over your teefs.

IMO, this beer tastes exactly how it smells. It's a beautiful change to my everyday choices. I highly recommend Cocoa Mole for anyone that is up for something "different". I kinda don't want to finish this beer, i just want to keep smelling the beautiful aroma.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2012 06:34:36 | More by dogfish90

sommersb

Tennessee

3.93/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Tasted On: 01-30-2012
Freshness: Bottled 12-21-2011
Packaging: 22 oz. brown bottle
Glassware: New Belgium globe glass
Purchased: Single from Midtown, Nashville

Color is a dark brown, like chestnut, with good clarity. Head is tan and a couple of fingers high. Lacing and head retention are fair.

Aromas are of chili peppers and chocolate, with some caramel and malty sweetness. Cinnamon and other spice aromas make for a complex nose.

Taste is both spicy and sweet, with milk chocolate up front and then some chili heat in the back. I also get some cinnamon flavor. Has a nice alcohol warming effect.

Smooth mouthfeel on a medium body. The finish is slightly sweet with some heat from the chilies.

Overall I though this was a very good chili beer, but not as good as some other chocolate chili beers I've had such as the Reunion and Vixen.

Serving type: bottle

01-31-2012 03:30:01 | More by sommersb

jsanford

Georgia

4.28/5  rDev +7.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

22oz bottle poured into a NB Globe

A - Pours a dark mahogany with a dense ivory head that settles to a thin ring and pillow of haze.
S - Deliciously unique aromas of Mexican hot chocolate, cinnamon, caramel, and chili peppers. As someone who eats a lot of mole...this smells exactly like mole. Amazing.
T - Taste is similarly mole-centric, with deep, complex flavors of bitter chocolate, cinnamon, chilis, and dark roasted malt. The chilis add little heat to the body of the brew, but definitely add up in the back of the throat after numerous sips.
M - Moderately creamy, with a medium body and fairly sharp carbonation. Body is nice for this type of beer, and the slightly high carbonation aids in keeping the chili character from getting unbearable.
O - A wonderfully unique beer that certainly evokes it's namesake. I'd love to see this become a yearly release, it's that good.

Serving type: bottle

01-30-2012 01:39:44 | More by jsanford

ehammond1

California

4.2/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Bottle

Thanks for opening this one, UCLABrewN84!

Dark brown body without a lot of visible carbonation activity. The beer eventually leaves spots of lace down the glass.

An incredibly unique aroma: decidedly Mexican coffee/chipotle peppers/rich, dark, chocolate mole, with enough roast to round out any sharp edges. Comes together very nicely.

The flavor is interesting, unusual, and delicious. The cinnamon and earthy spices are at the forefront, with bitter Mexican chocolate and coffee elements as well, with pepper heat lingering on the back of the throat after every swallow. Quite a unique drinking experience.

I suppose my only complaint would be with the mouthfeel, though I'd be nitpicking. Though there wasn't a lot of visible carbonation, it seemed, if anything, too carbonated in the mouth.

A unique, interesting, awesome chile beer. I'd recommend drinking this one fresh, as the chiles are vibrant and flavorful, though not overpowering or truly spicy in a classic sense.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 22:57:43 | More by ehammond1

UCLABrewN84

California

4.18/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear dark brown with a khaki head that settles to a film on top of the beer. Random streaks of lace form on the glass on the drink down. Smell is of cinnamon and other spices and Mexican hot chocolate. Absolutely fantastic smelling. Taste is of cinnamon and other spices, cocoa powder, and some slight chile flavors. There is a slight warming in the back of the throat from the chili after each sip. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp and clean mouthfeel. Overall, this is a good beer taste wise but exceptional in the smell.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 22:19:59 | More by UCLABrewN84

JohnGalt1

Idaho

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22 picked up tonight at Bier Thirty.. Pours with a short lasting tannish head... the brew is perfectly clear deep walnut brown.... no real head or lacing..

Nose is big cinnamon and some lesser spices... brown sugar and a good depth of cocoa.... smokey elements that build with chili notes...

Wow.... this one straddles a fine line between a borderline masterpiece and a top rate shit show... not sure yet... Poured at cellar temp and the cinnamon comes screaming... Mexican cocoa with vanilla and then a wallop of chili.. chipotle is obvious... roasty poblano essence... cinnamon begins again and follows out with some chili heat.. the cocoa lingers on a very dry finish..

Very nice... no doubt...

3.5/4/4.5/4/3.5

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 06:53:10 | More by JohnGalt1

lokieman

Texas

3.33/5  rDev -16.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into a tulip

A: Dark, golden brown with a 1/2 inch cocoa colored head that dissipates somewhat quickly.

S: Smells of cinnamon and holiday spice. A little bit of chocolate coming through once I get past the cinnamon but smells like apple pie with a cocoa/chile backbone.

T: The first thing that hits you is cinnamon. This is a cinnamon bomb if I've ever had one. Very sweet (almost too sweet) and the chile is very subdued. The sweetness and cinnamon character of this beer overwhelms the chile flavor and all I really ended up getting from the chilies was a slight chile burn on the edges of my tongue. Not bad but kind of falling into the dessert beer category for me.

M: Is nice with a nice lingering coating left in the mouth. The viscosity of this beer might be my favorite aspect of this brew. Very nice dark belgian ale mouthfeel that is rich and creamy without being overwhelming.

O: I bought one to lay down for a while and see what happens. For me to enjoy this beer more the sweetness and cinnamon character need to tone down a bit. I'm hoping some age will accomplish this. I would say this is a sweeter, less refined and sloppier Vertical Epic. I didn't hate this beer and I didn't love it...it just kind of lands in the middle somewhere for me. For $9 a bomber it's not terribly expensive and I am curious to see what 6 months to a year will do for the one in my cellar. An interesting brew....

Serving type: bottle

01-28-2012 02:57:50 | More by lokieman

ucsbmullet

Colorado

4.1/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Medium to dark brown in color.

Cinnamon and chocolate notes on the nose.

Light carbonation and small amount of head.

***Here's what stood out.***
Chocolate and cinnamon on the front tongue. Pepper notes kick in on the back end for a warming finish.

Tastes similiar to a pumpkin beer but with more cinnamon and chocolate. The peppers warmed the gullet on the way down the windpipe.

Its something different, but a very drinkable beer. Like they mixed Cocoa puffs with light tabasco.

Definitely worth a try.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 03:22:44 | More by ucsbmullet

Viciousknishs

Virginia

3.98/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- pours a russet garnet color with a short lived finger of light tan head. Some light lacing.

S- this smells awesome. Sweet malts blend with spice, savory pepper, and subtle smokiness from the chipotle. There's also toasty characteristics and cocoa on the finish with a hint of cinnamon.

T- the cocoa and sweet toasty malt fleshes out in the beginning. Spice and cinnamon blends in the middle. Finishes with pepper flesh, subtle smoke and pepper seed heat on the finish.

MF- rich full mouthfeel with a medium body and average carbonation.

D- good drinkability if your a fan of peppers. If not it might not be for you. This would be one hell of a food beer.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2012 02:37:48 | More by Viciousknishs

TheWhiskerReview

Tennessee

4.08/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Brew pours a ruby-hued mahogany with a quickly reducing greyish-colored head that stays at a faint ring with moderately dense lacing.

The nose is a huge blast of cinnamon toast crunch cereal with underlying complexities of cocoa powder (imparting an un-sweet chocolate vibe), the chilis (with a spice that tickles the nose and that typical muddled-chili aroma mixing leather, smoke, dried fruits and just a faint herbal aroma), faint coffee and dark bread.

Palate leads with a big, frothy mouthfeel and a coating of that chili character, again with the mix of leather/smoke/fruit/herb, joined by touches of chocolate and hints of caramel. Finishes with the bitterness and alcohol tucked into the chili heat, a sort of muddled mass of textures balancing out the sweetness, that warms the back of the throat and creeps down the esophagus with lingering spicy cinnamon/nutmeg tones.

Easily my favorite chili beer so far. Most that I've tasted had serious issues balancing the elements- too much spice, not enough bitterness, other adjuncts that clash with the chili flavor, etc. This one seems to hit all the marks, though, with its complexity and harmony.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 20:44:50 | More by TheWhiskerReview

wagenvolks

Texas

4.13/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

22oz bottle into a Jester King tulip.

Pours a dark, dusty cola-brown color with a thin head of khaki bubbles. Burnt orange sneaks in when Cocoa Mole is held to the light. The aroma smells of brown-sugared squash and a hefty dose of cinnamon spice. Slightly vegetal in the background with a dash of pepper heat, but the caramel & chocolate maltiness is sturdy enough to round out the aroma with sweetness. Unique--really nice so far.

Flavor is a bit one-dimensional up front with brown, sweet malts leading the way alongside a hint of cinnamon. However, the finish more than makes up for it as a lingering pepper heat sinks in and delivers a capsaicin "pop" that simmers on the back of the palate long after each sip. The heat isn't over-powering, though, as it balances out nicely the initial sweet/spicy flavors. Alcohol presence becomes more notable as Cocoa Mole warms. Mouthfeel is perfectly carbonated and not too heavy, making this beer quite drinkable considering all that's going on inside it. Another solid Lips of Faith release from New Belgium--this one is worth seeking out.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 02:15:11 | More by wagenvolks

Merkur

Tennessee

4.3/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Beer pours a dark brown with a fair amount of tan head that dissappears quickly.

Beer smells mainly of the chiles, with a slight cinnamon smells as well. Also present in some sweet chocolate.

Taste follows the nose. Starts off very sweet of chocolate before giving way to a nice cinamon flavor. Beer finishes with a slight chile burn on the back of your throat. Tastes just like a Texas Sheetcake. Very sweet and delicious.

Mouthfeel is nice, but a bit too carbonated.

Overall very unique taste. Yummy.

Serving type: bottle

01-25-2012 02:01:34 | More by Merkur

libbey

British Indian Ocean Territory

4.2/5  rDev +5.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

22oz bottle bottled on 12-21-11. Poured into my N.B. globe.

A: Pours a very nice reddish brown with a nice creamy head that faded quickly. Minimal lacing through out the drink

S: Big Blast of cinnamon and coco on the initial nose and as the beer warmed the chile came to the front and began to mingle with malts. Very interesting.

T: Upfront is that initial cinnamon flavor that mingles nicely with the chocolate malt back. Beer finishes with a touch of heat from the peppers that has been integrated quite well with the base beer. This is a complex beer that has a lot going on but it's not a muddled mess. Well done NB.

M: Carbonation is a bit low but the overall feel for this pepper beer is excellent with a nice touch of heat that balances well with the sweetness of the malt back.

O: While this certainly would not be an everyday sort of beer for me I really kind of enjoyed it and considering the complexities involved it was a well crafted beer by New Belgium.

Serving type: bottle

01-24-2012 21:24:18 | More by libbey

Tncapehart

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Deep dark mahogany. Beautiful color!
S - I can only think of a pig ear you'd get for your dog. A bit smoky and leathery. Different.
T - Think French toast. I can taste cinnamon and bread with maple syrup. Delicious!
M - The heat on this beer lingers just long enough to want another sip.

Overall a good beer! Glad I bought it. I'd recommend it.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2012 03:17:33 | More by Tncapehart

hopfacebrew

Colorado

4/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

"Say hola to a spiced up ale full of cocoa, and ancho, guajillo, chipotle peppers, but don’t fear the heat, because plenty of caramel and chocolate malts bring a smooth, complex flavor, scents of cinnamon when poured will have a saying “idle for mole!”

Picked up a bottle when I saw it hit the shelves at Lukas Liquor. I wasn't aware this was out yet but had heard tidbits here and there sounds interesting to say the least.

Poured from updated bomber to NBB globe glass. The beer pours a thick amber brown with orange amber highlights when held to the light. A thick 1.5 finger cream color head with decent retention. Some lacing throughout. The aroma is very unique: cinnamon mixed with hints of chocolate and some pepper. Smells like my grandmother's cinnamon sugar cookies actually with some cocoa sprinkled in. The flavor is very much the same with an initial rush of sharp cinnamon immediately followed by the cocoa and caramel flavors. Mild bitterness. The peppers are most noticeable on the finish as you feel a little heat and a slight burn. Suddenly the heat fades and the cinnamon again mixes in. Quite complex and yet fairly smooth. Full bodied. Hides the alcohol well, I think most of the heat character is from the peppers. Overall, very happy to have tried it. Not a beer you'd want to pound all day but I enjoyed it. Would purchase again. It's nice that the chili isn't overwhelming as is often the case with so many brews made with chili, it settles in nicely with the cocoa, cinnamon, and caramel malts.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2012 16:15:53 | More by hopfacebrew