Spanning & Sensatie

Brewery: De Molen

Type: Imperial Stout

Alcohol: 9.8%

Country: Netherlands

I usually keep a wide distance from beers made with chilies. I was once given a chili beer that made me instantly sick, the most disgusting thing I have ever tried. So due to this bad experience I have not tried even the most well known of chili beers. But I have heard so much about Spanning and Sensatie that I had to at least give it a try.

Pours an Impenetrable black color with a massive dark tan head. I was not expecting a head like this on an imperial stout, I even had to do the old rush forward and suck up the foam before it overflows maneuver. The aroma is pretty standard, roasted chocolaty malts, some dark fruits and a little coffee. I was expecting a dominant chili taste, as i have experienced before, but it didn't turn out like that. It tastes much like a normal rich imperial stout does. Dark chocolate roasted malt and a tinge of licorice. The chocolate is a bit more pronounced in this beer due to the cocoa being used. The chili is more of a little tingle of heat, very subtle on the palate in the finish. Becomes a little more evident as it warms but it is never overpowering. Has a nice bitterness about it for an imperial stout, this beer has a little bite too it. Has a big thick body, but feels nice and smooth instead of syrupy. I actually expected this beer to be a bit more intense. I am not disappointed, per se, but I did expect a little wow from a beer with chili and sea salt. That being said it is a really good imperial stout and well worth the taste.