Beer Review *Revisited: Samuel Adams The Vixen Chocolate Chili Bock by Boston Beer, Is A Should Try

image of The Vixen Chocolate Chili Bock courtesy of our Flickr page Originally tasted on 2011-11-24

image of The Vixen Chocolate Chili Bock courtesy of our Flickr page Despite what you might have heard beer isn't always a simple marriage of Malt, Hops, Water, and Yeast. As the water boils, grains milled, hops added, and the yeast fed, something magical occurs. Even now no doubt while you read this you have enjoyed a beer that jump started your memories, as you imagined chewing on a slice of freshly peeled orange or a chocolate bar.

But there are times when those four ingredients are not enough, which is why we have to mention a beer from the folks who produce Sam Adams' Boston Lager. Introducing The Vixen one of four beers in the Single Batch Series.

Brewery Description (The Vixen Chocolate Bock)

A twist on Samuel Adams Chocolate Bock, The Vixen is a dark, rich and enticing chocolate chili bock with a spicy kick and velvety smooth malt taste.

The Vixen is a vibrant beer, brewed with ancho and chipotle chilies for an added complexity and touch of smoky heat. This full-bodied brew is slowly aged on a bed of cocoa nibs from Ecuador for a deep chocolaty flavor that’s roasted, earthy, nutty and slightly sweet. The richness of the dark cocoa is blended with cinnamon and the subtle spice and heat of the chilies for a rich and complex taste.

Pairing suggestion: This full-bodied brew is best paired with chicken mole negro. The dark cocoa and spice character of the beer marries perfectly with those similar spice notes in the dish, bringing out the best in both.

The Vixen tasting experience video, follow along with Jim Koch:* http://www.youtube.com/samueladams#p/u/14/gUBSNhDWErU

Our Thoughts
You Should Try It. Consider this beer as a dessert beer while chewing on some spice-infused chocolate cake, brownies. Or better yet, stow this away for February to share with your loved one alongside a plate of chocolates.

Poured from it’s 22 ounce bottle, The Vixen pours dark as pitch and without any apparent clarity. Resting in the glass this writer notices a mocha-colored foamy head. Over time this fades leaving behind some lace inside the glass.

image of The Vixen Chocolate Chili Bock courtesy of our Flickr page Reminiscent of their Chocolate Bock, The Vixen produces notes of roasted oats, bits of dark chocolate which is carried over in the sip. Further analysis reveals dark fruit (almost raisin-like) as well as a sharp spice of chili pepper; although not nearly as much as we expected. Overall The Vixen Chili Chocolate Bock has a medium to strong mouth feel and there is some minor stickiness.

Thoughts by your Colleagues
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/35/74579
http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/samuel-adams-the-vixen-chocolate-chili-bock/157431/29952/

An Editorial Note. A couple of months ago the fine folks at Boston Beer (aka, the largest CRAFT brewery *by definition) sent us a care package right before the start of Thanksgiving. While I would have enjoyed an opportunity to write a 'fresh' review this writer instead got sidetracked by a severe sinus cold, which turned into a full blown case of bronchitis. Even now I am still occasionally coughing up bits of nothingness, so to Boston Beer and the rest of you we apologize in advance if this beer is no longer on the shelves.

Cheers

About the photo’s author
Paul “Fruit Trees” Orchard, is an amateur craft beer enthusiast and amateur photographer. Throughout the many years in craft beer he is always carrying a camera (smartphone, digital, traditional) and is invites you to see that beer can also be exciting even if you can’t drink the photo.

In accordance with new FTC regulations regarding bloggers and endorsements, the aforementioned company has provided me a free sample that was used for research prior to writing this review.