So you see, I was trying to catch up on my side projects. Everybody has side projects, right? Little things you’re working on in addition to your daily grind. Those aren’t the kind of side projects I’m talking about, though. Instead, I was trying ng to get caught up on my Terrapin Side Projects, a series of special one off brews released in 22 ounce bomber bottles by the Terrapin brewing Company of Athens, Georgia.

I was doing fine, too, not missing a beat through Side Project 16, Phlux Capacitor Oak Aged American Ale. I’ve already enjoyed my bottles of Side Project 19: Mosaic Single Hopped Red Rye Ale and 21 Pineapple Express Smoked Pineapple Helles. A bottle of 17 has been in my beer fridge since I bought it, sadly 18 flew off of store shelves before I could find any, and I had bottles of 20 and 22 raring to go as well when Terrapin Side Project 23: Guano Loco Chili Pepper Brownie Ale hit store shelves. I resolved to drink 17, 20, 22, and 23 in order and get all caught up.

That was the plan anyway, until I was at my local Taco Mac here in Canton the other day and they had Guano Loco on tap. Awww heck, I couldn’t resist that, now, could I? I knew it would not last long (the side projects on tap generally don’t) and so I ordered it and messed up my plans. And you know what? I’m glad I did. Guano Loco means crazy shit anyway, so why not go a little crazy?

Terrapin says the following about the beer on the bottle label:

Like a piñata bursting at the seams, Guano Loco “Ancho Brownie Ale” explodes with flavor from a myriad of directions.  Chocolaty sweetness melds brilliantly with spicy heat to make this beer a fiesta in your glass…Ole’

Ingredients from the website:

Malts: 2-row pale, Victory, special Roast, Crystal 65, Crystal 85,Brown Malt, Chocolate Malt
Hops: Super Galena, US Goldings

I think they left out the chili peppers…….

Terrapin Side Project 23: Guano Loco has an alcohol content of 8.6% by volume and 35 IBUs. I paid $7.50 for an 11-ounce glass at Taco Mac and $8.99 for a 22-ounce bomber bottle at Total Wine.

My glass of Terrapin Side Project 23: Guano Loco Chili Pepper Brownie Ale arrived a dark brownish to black color with a very thin layer of tan head formation. Taking a whiff, you really get the fresh spicy green chili aromas in the nose. That enticed me to take a sip, and I absolutely get the chili flavors and sweet dark chocolate and cookie malty notes that really suggest a fresh baked brownie with chili peppers inside. The beer finishes with some peppery heat dancing on the tongue, some alcohol warmth, too, and is ever so slightly sweet.

This one is a winner folks, and on several levels. It really does taste like a liquid brownie with all its chocolaty goodness, but the main thing is that you really get to taste the chilies and feel their spicy heat as well. Too many chili beers just don’t deliver on the chili; this one does. The only negative here is the price for draft and bottle, and a half star demerit for that.

Now that I’ve tried it, I might just hang on to my bottle for a few months and see how it develops. Details on that to follow…..



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