Ska – Autumnal Mole Stout

Ska is based in Durango, CO and these guys started brewing home brew in high school.  The ended up going into the brewing business and they make some very tasty beers.  When I saw Autumnal Mole Stout (5.5% ABV) and was release at the Autumnal Equinox.  Mole Stout is brewed with peppers, cocoa and spices.

Chili Beer – http://beeradvocate.com/beer/style/163 - BeerAdvocate

Appearance – Dark with a one-finger dark tan foamy head that receded quickly.  No light would get through this beer.

Aroma – There is a lot going here on the aroma side – peppers / chilies, chocolate, coffee / espresso, and subtle spices (cinnamon / nutmeg).

Taste – Very much like it smells and while there is some hesitation on my part for fear of a high Scoville rating, Mole Stout focuses on pepper / chili flavor and not heat – yes.  Chocolate, coffee, and spice are present too and make for a well-rounded beer.  Stout provides a perfect base for what Ska is doing.

Overall – A-  This is one of the best Chili Beers I have had.  It would be excellent to use in cooking and I think it would be a very good combination with Southwest cuisine. 

Commercial description – "The Autumnal Mole Stout is an ale brewed with cocoa nibs, spices and three varieties of chile peppers: Mulato, Ancho and Hatch green chiles, (also known as Anaheim Peppers.)"   Note – There was no description found on the website.

URL – http://www.skabrewing.com/