Stone Brewing Xocoveza Winter Spice
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What the brewers say
“Our chocolaty, winter-spiced mocha stout is back. This delicious take on Mexican hot chocolate is crafted with cocoa, coffee, pasilla peppers, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. ¡Claro que sí!”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Mild cinnamon, ginger, clove, and nutmeg—it’s like gingerbread dipped in stout. A mix of green pepper and mild chile pepper, with strong chocolate malt and some roast. A touch of chocolate and a medium amount of roast remind you that it is, in fact, a stout.”
Flavor: “The roast and chocolate malt hit first, with a nice mocha hug, then the mulled cider spices sidle in. Pepper, cocoa, bitter chocolate, with cinnamon and ginger. The heat is very mild, but pleasantly noticeable, and the alcohol is evident and lingers into the aftertaste with a soft, extended burn—perhaps a bit of a clash with the chile heat.”
Overall: “Some very complex flavors, but a bit overpowering—it builds to the point that a full pint might be hard to get through. It would be served well in a 4 oz glass after Christmas dinner. Tastes more like a porter than a stout, but is very enjoyable and drinkable.”
