Judge’s Review: 82 Rating – Imperial Oaxaca Choca Mexican Chocolate Stout by New Realm Brewing

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Richard Wong

Judges Rating: 82
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 30
Mouthfeel: 8
Overall Impression: 14

Imperial Oaxaca Choca Mexican Chocolate Stout by New Realm Brewing was judged as #30A ( Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer) according to the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
The pour revealed a dark brown hue that was almost black, and it had a nice tan head with a good carbonation level. The aroma of this beer had a nice malt sweetness and roasted malts and slight vanilla and mexican chocolate flavors. The first taste revealed unique flavors that I wasn’t really expecting. The first noticeable flavor was vanilla. It was very evident and upfront. Secondary flavors included cinnamon, Mexican chocolate and roasted malts. These were the initial flavors that I got, but then slowly, in the aftertaste, comes a slow burn of chili peppers in the palate, which is a strange stout flavor that I have never come across before.  Nice, unique flavors upfront and then a slow burst or burn of heat due to the chili peppers. The burn of the chili peppers was not irritating or too hot for me (we all have our own tolerance to heat levels), but nevertheless it was somewhat intense. The body and mouthfeel of this beer were medium and it had very good carbonation. 
Certainly a unique beer for the curious beer drinker who wants to try something different.