My buddy and I were visiting a new local spot called Local Republic. It just so happened that the evening we visited was the same evening that the owners tapped a cask of the Terrapin Reunion 2011. We were some of the first to taste this ''interesting'' but for a cause brew.
Terrapin Reunion is a collaboration between Terrapin Brewery and Shmaltz Brewery. This years version benefits bone cancer research and I must say that I have not had to many beers that benefits nothing more than my taste buds. Not only was the beer very good it also was for a good cause and I had a smile on my face with each taste.
This was my very first taste of beer that was brewed with chili. I have heard many opinions on beer brewed with chili and I for one was not seeking any chili beer any time soon. But, I could not pass up a chance of a first taste.
The first taste was fantastic. Granted, this was a cask conditioned beer and is a lot smoother than a bottle but unlike any other beer I have ever had this one left a burn in my throat. My first few drinks were a lot of cocoa and then the chili spice. However, as I found myself at the halfway point of my glass I started to notice more and more of a vanilla flavor breaking through. This for me was the perfect match.
Reunion 2011 is a great but different beer. The spice is not overpowering but if you're a newb you will not like it. Guaranteed. Take this one slow.