Chilli Beer by Matso’s Broome Brewery (AUS)

Matso’s Chilli Beer …. does what it says on the tin

I was really hoping I hadn’t ruined my palette before tasting this rather unique beer by Matso’s Broome Brewery. I was just knocking up a homemade tomato sauce for dinner, handpicked cherry toms and basil from the garden, homegrown garlic and some fresh chillis from our resident bush. On the first taste of my sauce I realised I’d underestimated the strength of my little bird’s eye chillis and had to rescue the sauce from being R-rated and make it more PG.

Once my mouth had cooled it was time to try Matso’s Chilli Beer. Poured into a glass, the brew is straw in colour and looks more like cider than beer, holding no head. The proof of the pudding is in the eating they say and this is definitely a chilli pudding. Exhilarating , slightly sweet and hot, the resounding taste is that of ……. well, chilli. The first sip has a real punch and as your mouth adjusts you get real chilli pepper flavours coming through, complex flavours, not just heat.

If you’re looking for a cooling ale after eating a vindaloo, you might want to stay clear of this brew, but for chilli fans out there, this is the perfect accompaniment to anything that doesn’t contain chilli.

Best on a hot day, drunk from the bottle, icy cold, under the bridge.