I promised myself that after I settled in Portland, found a steady job and saved up some cash I would set out and sample all the breweries in the area.  Well, I have a roof over my head and employment so what the hell, the saving money thing can wait…

I stopped by Roots Organic Brewing after work today for the release of their new seasonal—Chocolate Habanero Stout.  I was more curious about the beer than anything and after pedaling over and ordering a pint—cheers to Roots for serving up imperial pints and giving the commoners their money’s worth—I took a seat outside to sample this creation.

The stout is a pretty pour, thick and opaque with a clingy, creamy off-white head.  The nose is more chocolate than anything else and at first sip, it seems like a well-balanced, robust stout.  The beer hides its 6.1% alcohol well, but after a few tastes I noticed a strange tinge in the back of my throat.  At first I thought it was the alcohol creeping through the beer’s smooth, chocolately flavor but I soon realized that that sharp nip was the warm wrath of 100 chopped habanero peppers the Roots brewers use to “dry hop” the brew.

It took me half of the beer to decide if I enjoyed it or not.  This was in no way due to the brew’s flavor; instead, I took the time to contemplate whether or not I liked the slow burn building on the back of my tongue.  Towards the end of my glass, my mouth reveled in a warm coat of capsicum head and I was ready for my second pint.  Chocolate Habanero Stout just might help me to enjoy my pints outside once the cold weather hits.

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