The Stout for Vikings

Centuries ago, Vikings came to Canadian shores and set roots, and until April of next year, they're setting up shop at our museum of civilization, now named the Canadian Museum of History. And because December seems to also bring in the flavoured stouts, it's only fitting that I take a look at a dark ale from the land of Vikings.

This one has bite.

Megagrisk Viking Chili Stout (10% ABV)
Hornbeer
Hornsherredvej, Denmark

Appearance: deep walnut with a dark-taupe head that settles quickly to a dense lace.

Nose: dark chocolate with hints of coffee.

Palate: the hot peppers hit you from the start, followed closely by dark chocolate. The chili follows through, conquering you, all the way to the finish and is matched with a kiss of licorice. The finish is long-lasting, taking up roots, thanks to those chili peppers.

Overall impression: this is a spicy treat but I don't know if I could have more than one at a time. Don't get me wrong: I really like it but the cumulative heat on one beer may be too much in a second one.

Oh, plus the alcohol level. At 10 percent, you have to be careful.

I love spicy food, and spicy beer is good, but in limited amounts. Like Vikings, you may not want them to stick around. (The Vikings exhibit lasts until April 17, 2016.)

Beer O'Clock rating: 4

Cheers!