Oaked Chipotle Ale

This beer has a smoky nose up front — prominent smoked ham/bacon notes jump out of the glass with enough caramel malt in the aroma to balance it effectively. No oak or hops are present in the aroma. The color is deep chestnut and is brilliantly clear. There is a small, wispy, light tan head that struggles to persist. The deep toasted malt flavors play second fiddle to the lingering heat, which is well balanced within the beer. While a chipotle pepper flavor is not apparent, the heat from them helps carry this thin-bodied beer to a level where it is enjoyable. The oak profile is severely lacking and would be a welcome addition to this beer, which is in sore need of complexity. The level of heat is exactly where it needs to be but that’s about all this beer has going for it.