I’m not one to rush out and get the chili beer every year that so and so local brewery decides to make one, in fact, I don’t even like them all that much. But certain organizations have found it financially reasonable to occasionally brew chili pepper beers, and on a rare few occasions, they mix in smoke. This is one of those occasions and the initial reaction is a positive one. For $12 at The Blind Pig in Champaign, IL, you can get a bomber of FCB Mesquite Chili Lime Ale. The chili’s are all over this beer; in the nose, on the tongue, on the back of the throat (for several minutes after each sip), and even on the label. Smoke smell is present (3 of 7 smokestacks), but after just a few chugs, the nose kinda checks out and you just have to rely only on taste. Speaking of taste, there’s a lot of it (5 of 7 smokestacks). The marriage of chili and smoke is just about right, with a mixture of campfire, charcoal ashes, and smoked chorizo (sausage presence). Opacity comes in at 2 of 7, although this place is so dimly lit, it could get bumped down to a 1 at some point in the future. One funny thing about this beer is that I can’t find any lime in it at all (for better or worse). I’m sure I could go on and on about this beer, which I am enjoying, but I’m feeling awkward sitting here with my phone out just typing away and snapping photos. Overall happiness 5 out of 7.

I’ve been to Colorado:

http://fortcollinsbrewery.com/