Yet another very special edition of Drink This Beer is upon us. I’m inspired to abuse my stomach lining with beer made with Ghost Chilies: Ghost Face Killah.
I have no idea if the Wu Tang Clan was paid any royalties for the naming rights by Twisted Pine Brewing out of Boulder, CO. In fact, I have no idea why anyone would get the idea to make a beer from “Anaheim, Fresno, Jalapeno, Serrano, Habanero and Bhut Jolokia – Otherwise known as the Ghost Pepper”. The logic of it escapes me. Nonetheless, I bought some.
You, too, can have a sophisticated beer photo studio with an iPhone and some printer paper
First and foremost, the initial smell is wild. Spicy spicy spicy, but not burning your nostrils. When you normally sniff a super-spicy dish, it is almost always hot. This is a cold beer, so no nostril sensation other than spice flavor… not spicy feeling. It’s difficult to articulate.
Pouring the beer is also a little unique. For me, pouring it into a room temperature glass beer stein, the beer gave off a powerfully effervescent head that dissipated quickly. As that head fizzed away, that’s when the spiciness went to my eyes. It bubbled aggressively in the glass, easily visible with it’s slightly opaque yellow hue.
Do not let Ghost Face Killah get near your eyes, nose, or genitals. Pregnant and nursing women should not handle Ghost Face Killah. Do not taunt Ghost Face Killah.
Sweet Jebus, don’t go in close for a sniff. The active bubbling will send some beer into your nose, clear your sinus, and maybe even water your eyes a little. Yowza.
I don’t know why I wasn’t prepared for it, but the first sip was a literal eye-opener. Surprising spice. You won’t notice the IBU of 10 or ABV of 5%. You will notice only one thing – some pain.
For fire beer, it had a surprisingly interesting flavor. Yes, you taste the chilies. But, you can also get a little malt flavor. Strong spice aftertaste, like you chugged some hot salsa, but without the tomato carrier.
And, damn, don’t gulp it. Burning throat! It takes some effort, but you can drink a whole 12 oz beer in one sitting. Your stomach will be messed up, but you can do it. Halfway through my GFK, I needed a chaser of some O’Dell Easy Street Wheat (a wonderful brew) to soothe my abused palate.
Being so effervescent and spicy, any belches are hell. Be warned.
How does it taste, Ralph? Good?
My father, he of the Iron Stomach, was the only person who “really liked” the beer. Dad asked me to bring over any other GFKs and leave them at his house. I guess you have a strong stomach if you’re a lifelong Cubs fan! Hi-yo!
I checked Wikipedia for some more information on Naga Bhut Jolokia. Yes, it has been weaponized! (I wonder if this violates the Geneva Convention.) Yes, they smear it on fence posts in India to keep wild elephants away. If these peppers keep Colonel Hathi from marching though your town, should you really be ingesting them?
Anyway, if you are feeling adventurous and want to try this novelty beer that pairs with either a chaser beer, pepto, or ice cream, then: Drink This Beer At Your Own Peril
simpson bbq 