Homebrewing At Its Finest - Xocoveza Mocha Stout

     As an ode to homebrewing in America, Stone allows the winner of the annual American Homebrewers Association competition to have their recipe brewed and distributed by Stone!! This years winner was Chris Banker with his Xocoveza (sho-co-vay-za) Mocha Stout, a brewers nod to Mexican hot chocolate... Even though Corona, molé, and Patrón are the more "prized" commodities of Mexico, if the opportunity to enjoy some of their hot chocolate - Don't pass it up!! Sidenote: Why is Patrón such a highly sought after tequila in America?? It can't be its high quality, but could it be because of DJ Class?! 'Cause that's the only reason I can think of, but if so, well done Class!! Alright, back to the brew at hand... Chris wasn't the only one included on this collaboration, as Cerveceria Insurgente was also brought into the equation to attest to it's traditional Mexican flavor profiles... Since So-Cal was the source for their ingredients, they took it a step further and used strictly Mostra Coffee products for their coffee elements, as well as ChocoVivo for their cocoa elements!! Though I'm not a native of California, I am half Mexican and am also a homebrewer, and was thus further drawn to getting this bomber after the relationship I felt to it simply after  reading it's back label... I haven't gotten around to brewing a stout, but when I do, hopefully it's as tasty as this beer is sounding to be!!

Chris Banker X Stone Brewing X Cerveceria Insurgente - Xocoveza Mocha Stout [Ale Brewed Cocoa, Coffee, Peppers, Vanilla, Cinnamon And Nutmeg] (22oz ---> Lefthand Pint Glass : 8.1 ABV : 50 IBU)

     It "popped" quite loudly as the cap came off, adding to the excitement already built up after just reading the bottle... Pouring seemingly light, a decently aggressive pour had an inch and a half, light tan head formed above it's jet black body... Even with a light source directly behind it, not a ray shown through!! Minimal lacing was left behind as the head receded moderately slowly, but a few legs reached upward from the thin retentive cap left floating atop the brew... Roasted coffee and spice were the first aromas on the nasal palate, most notably the cinnamon and nutmeg... Some earthiness is fighting its way through there also, with the peppers possibly adding to the "spice" element on the nose... First on the palate is a spice bite from the peppers, followed by plenty of coffee and some faint chocolate hints, but more of a sweet chocolate as opposed to the more common bitter style that frequents stouts... Mid palate, more earthy notes presented themselves, presumably from any hops chosen for this brew, and the vanilla shows itself also at this point, both adding a good amount of complexity... The finish is where the cinnamon and nutmeg show themselves in full force, alongside a healthy bite of spiciness brought forth once again by the peppers, and of course another pretty heavy dose of coffee... Though 8.1% is not a low ABV, and heat is not unexpected when dealing with Mexican "cuisine," the alcohol warmth is hid nicely amongst an array of great flavors and thus barely noticeable when put against the heat brought forth by the peppers... This is a beer of many flavor elements and they basically start running the marathon at the finish - Much like a very complex wine, or even a baseball hit into the parking lot: Going, going, going, GOINGGG - But seemingly never gone!! The mouthfeel on this beer accommodates the flavors nicely, as I feel it (obviously) shoots for the feel of hot chocolate or coffee, but it could have been a bit "heavier," as hosting those flavors is something I believe a "heavier" beer would do a better job of... Though my heritage is split amongst two distinctly different parts of the world, with flavor profiles to match, this beer was a great representation of the southern-most half, and what our hot chocolate would be if it were morphed into a delicious stout!! A heavier hand of chocolate and a fuller mouthfeel would have been an EASY grandslam for this beer... Hats off to Chris Banker, and the breweries involved with making this delicious beer!! Another great brew - Cheers!!