I know I usually start these reviews with a little story, but there really isn’t one this time around. I picked up this can of 21st Amendment’s Fireside Chat as part of a recent mixed six pack purchase at The Foodery. I read some positive reviews, so I thought I’d give it a try. That’s all I got.
Here is what 21st Amendment Brewery has to say about this seasonal beer:
Like FDR’s Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.
Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.
And now for the review…
- Appearance: Ruby red body with a rich, brown tint at the edges when held up to the light. Head tops out at under 1/4 of an inch, and dissipates rapidly, leaving a thin line of tan foam around the rim.
- Aroma: This is one delightfully spiced beer. Think ginger snaps meets snickerdoodle. Also picked up some nutmeg and allspice.
- Taste: Medium carbonation. Quite creamy and lightly fizzy. A bit of that spice comes through in the beginning, i.e. nutmeg and cinnamon.Roasted malts take over midway and lead you to a moderately bitter finish. A bit of alcohol induced warmth comes through at the end. The spices and mild hop bitterness linger for quite awhile.
- ABV: 7.9%
21st Amendment is definitely on a roll!. First I had the thirst quencher that is their Hell or High Watermelon Wheat. Then I had the bold and flavorful Back in Black Black IPA. And now we have the Fireside Chat Winter Spiced Ale. I found the Fireside Chat to be a very enjoyable winter warmer of a beer. It has a little bit of everything, i.e. a bit of spice, a healthy dose of roasted malts, and just enough hop bitterness to keep things interesting. The Fireside Chat is a very nice beer that I would really like to try on tap.
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