Pepe Nero - Goose Island Brewing Co

APPEARANCE: (3) Thick looking brew is pouring into the glass. The color is dark, dark brown, not black. This beer is called a farmhouse ale but I cannot remember that I have tested a farmhouse ale being this dark before. The foam settles first nice on the surface but dies rather fast leaving only traces of foam islands on top of the brew.

AROMA:(4) The aroma is at first a fruity and reminds of white vine. A twirl in the glass increases the fruitiness and it now smells like champagne. The aroma is intriguing and very different from what I expected.

TASTE: (4) The flavor is like champagne mixed with port vine. Where there champagne flavor dominates. It has hints of apples and an earthiness with mushroom flavor. It's intriguing palate leaves a bitter coating in the mouth. I am trying to find the peppercorn flavor but realize that it must be what came across to me as mushrooms.


EXTRA: (5) This beer bottle with it's appearance and dark label makes me think of a Port Vine. Goose Island states that this beer can develop for up to 5 years in the bottle. It looks very elegant. An extra plus for the adventurous idea of spicing with peppercorns. It might be the first beer I have ever tried flavored with pepper corns and most certain the darkest colored Farmhouse Ale that I have had.



Goose Island Brewings website

Beer style: Farmouse ale (flavored with Peppercorn)
Serving temperature: 10-12C
Alcohol: 6.0%
Malt: Pilsner, Rye, Crystal Rye, Black Malt
Hops: Pilgrim, Saaz

Food Pairings: According to Goose Islands website: "ideal for pairing with grilled meats and roasted vegetables."

APPEARANCE: 3 x 5 = 15
AROMA: 4 x 10 = 40
TASTE: 4 x 10 = 40
EXTRA: 5 x 1 = 5

Total: 100/130