When I was a kid, my dad would give me and my two brothers a box of dates at Christmas. Mind you, it wasn’t a large box, but it was to us at the time, and we thought that they were the best things ever. Who ate dates as a kid, after all? My dad always had a taste for the exotic, and I think that in no small way that’s why I do as well. It’s why I drink the beers I do, too, beers made with unusual ingredients. Like dates.
Piney River Hot Date Ale from the Piney River Brewing Company of Bucyrus, MO, is brewed not only with dates, but also chipotle peppers. Hot date. Get it? I was extremely excited to try this beer, and glad to see a can in my latest beer package from our own Beer Whisperer. Thanks Tom!
Piney River Hot Date Ale is sold in 16 ounce cans and has an alcohol content of 6% by volume. My sample was canned on 11/26/13, so is quite fresh. I am told this beer runs about $8.49 for a four-pack of 16 ounce cans, which is not bad at all. From the label:
Hot Date is our handcrafted amber ale brewed with a touch of sweet dates and a hint of chipotle pepper heat. We know that a little sweet heat can pair well with a secluded bend in the river or a remote spot on the trail. It may be your first time with a Hot Date in the Ozarks, but it won't be your last.
Piney River Hot Date Ale pours to a bright amber color with a minimal head formation and a delightful nose of dark fruity dates. Taking a sip, the beer is delightfully malty up front with notes of caramel, then the dates come through and perfectly in all their rich dark fruity glory. A light peppery heat dances across the tongue from first sip to finish, where it intensifies into a subtle bite and really works well with the dark fruitiness of the dates.
At first I thought a little more heat would be welcome, and I still think that, but only a smidge more. Too much additional heat and you drown out the dates. They are so close to perfect here, the balance between fruit and heat is done quite nicely. This is wonderful, especially as the fruity dates hit me up front and the peppers dance on the palate at the last.
My dad would have loved it…..
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft