Westbrook Brewing Co. » Mexican Cake (Imperial Stout)
ABV: 10.5% | IBUs: 50 | Rating: 9.7/10
This is my first go-around with Westbrook's lauded anniversary ale, Mexican Cake. A beast of a brew, this American Imperial Stout is packed with cocoa nibs, vanilla beans, cinnamon sticks, and fresh habanero peppers, and unlike many big stouts, it's recommended to drink fresh. A bit of a bumpy start to the week rebooted with great beer, A/C, and cartoons? Sign me up.
As with many well-hyped beers stuffed with a plethora of additives, I approached this one with a touch of skepticism, but also a great deal of excitement. While I haven't been wowed by every Westbrook, the ones that do, really knock it out of the park for me. Mexican Cake delivered on the latter.
This double stout pours up jet black with a thick, reddish, dark-mocha head. Smooth, sweet cinnamon & cocoa nib aromas rise up from the glass backed by mild notes of roasted coffee and vanilla.
The first sip is transcendental. This isn't even beer, it's a thick, beautiful desert cocktail. A smooth and silky mouthfeel, supported by lively carbonation makes for a pleasant, sippable canvas for a plethora of flavors.
The chocolate / pepper combo here is crucial and one of the most well-balanced habanero beers, or any hot-pepper beer, I've had yet. Big flavors smooth, cake-like chocolate and an ever-building pepper fire is rolled off with sweet vanilla and lovely hints of sweet, spicy cinnamon.
Overall, Mexican Cake is elegant for the over-the-top recipe, storming in unabashed, but never overbearing. Highly recommended and damn fantastic.
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