Chestnuts roasting on an open fire …
Yes, we’re getting all Christmassy at Schloss Zeschky, even though our lack of open fire means the chestnuts go in the oven (because the only thing roasting on the baseboard heater is Beer Cat).
Chestnuts are one of those warming, evocative smells of winter, and firing off those cozy associations in beer lovers’ synapses is clearly what Whistler Brewing had in mind for this seasonal ale.
The big problem being that my synapses are being overloaded by the smell of vanilla. It’s incredibly intense on the nose, essence-like, to the detriment of any other aroma bar hints of fudgy toffee and hazelnut. Not one chestnut within sniff in this reddish, dark amber ale.
Sadly, it’s not just a tease. That strong, sweet vanilla is front and centre on the palate, though there are pleasant edges of milk chocolate and toffee and the relatively light carbonation lends some smoothness. But the subdued bitterness doesn’t quite balance all this sweetness, and the flavour trails off into a thin body and a semi-dry finish that reveals a little dark chocolate in the aftertaste.
Again, not one chestnut. My best guess being that Whistler was rather heavy-handed with the pureed chestnut on brew day, to the extent that only its vanilla properties came through.
As a result, I’d steer well clear of pairing this with anything containing vanilla, or even anything that’s more-than-average sweet, for fear of cloying overload. Some simple cookies or shortbread might fit the bill, though. Savoury-wise, Valley Trail could pair up well with some simple sausages and mash.
Beer Cat: Interested
$5.75, 650ml, at B.C. Liquor Stores
jzeschky@theprovince.com
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