338: Black Dynamite

Ezra has an interesting walk down memory lane going over at the New School regarding the Roots Epic Ale Tasting at Belmont Station this month (post coming soon) … in it, he makes a passing reference to Roots’ famed “Habanero Stout,” which they debuted at the North American Organic Beer Festival (NAOBF) … oh, three years ago-ish? This was a beer that really defined a spice beer for me (and apparently, stuck in others’ minds, judging by the conversation it sparked in the comments section), and a standard I’ve held others up to since.

It clearly contained the active ingredient in habanero (heat, dummy!) but also captured that fruity, orange-y essence of habanero that keeps flavor masochists coming back for the painful parts. Even better, the Habanero Stout was a beer you could easily have more than one of – no stunt beer, it was almost sessionable.

Widmer’s Black Dynamite at the 2010 Holiday Ale Festival ranks right up there with Habanero Stout in my book. It wasn’t a beer I’d get two of, which is why I gave it just four stars, but it captured the full flavor range of black pepper perfectly. And, there were interesting layers of malt and smoke to carry the pungent, dry spice, so it wasn’t just a one-trick beer, but a crazy idea well executed. I’d like to see more beers like this from some of Oregon’s breweries.

Beer Name: Black Dynamite
Brewer: Widmer Brewing
Price: N/A
Sampled: December 4, 2010 (at Holiday Ale Festival)
Rating: 4/5
Notes: Smells odd – smoky? Very clear pepper flavor. Amazing, really, how clear it is. A bit wet, not sure I want a pint, but great palate-reviver!
ABV: N/A
IBU: N/A
OG N/A
TG N/A
Serving Type: Draft.