Judge’s Review: 91 Rating – Fireside Chat by 21st Amendment Brewery

Winter Seasonal Beer | Seasonal | United States

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 91
Aroma: 21
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 17

Fireside Chat by 21st Amendment Brewery is a spiced beer and is being evaluated as a Winter Seasonal Beer (category 30C from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Winter Seasonal Beers are spiced beers that are suggestive of Christmas or the winter season (such as mulling spices or holiday desserts). Fireside Chat was brewed with spices and cocoa nibs and measures in at 7.9% abv.
Fireside Chat pours dark brown in color and showcases excellent clarity and sports a moderate mousse-like tan head. The aroma is moderate bready and toasty malt with a lighter cocoa note; the ginger-led spices provide a light contrast. The flavor is moderate bready and toasty malt with a very light cocoa element and a nicely contrasting spicy ginger-like flavor among other well-melded spices. The beer finishes moderately bitter with lingering toasty malt, spices and a hint of cocoa.
Fireside Chat is a well-brewed spiced winter warmer. As expected, the beer has a solid malt backbone that supports a complex yet subtle spice package that provides contrast without becoming overwhelming.