Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout is a 5% stout from Baird Beer, based in Shizuoka. It’s part of their seasonal line up of craft beer and can be found on sale in mid-November onwards. It’s brewed using smoked malt imported from Germany; the same kind of malt that is used in rauchbiers, and also contains locally grown habanero peppers, though hopefully they were handled with rubber gloves. At the time of writing, Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout can be found in both bottles and on tap at all the Baird Taprooms.
Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout Aroma and Taste
Having bought a couple of these from Baird Bashamichi Taproom, I completely forgot about them in the beer cellar. It’s not like I meant to but after having a bad experience with a couple of imported spicy beers from the USA, I had decided that I didn’t need my mouth to be on fire when I’m drinking something that is supposed to be relaxing or refreshing.
Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout poured out a deep brown, verging on black colour, with a surprising white head. I was expecting something more tan-coloured really. It had a subtle smoky aroma, not as potent as a rauchbier but definitely noticeable as it contrasted strongly with the chocolate and coffee notes coming through. The peppers came through a tad but only as I was trying to find them as a pre-warning to the tastebuds and the others in the room.
Thankfully, the first sip started off smooth without any damage to the taste buds. The smoky character of the beer came through the strongest, followed by a softly carbonated coffee and chocolate flavour. Then the habanero heat kicked in – not as potent as I thought it was going to be too. Perhaps it was a creeper of a beer – you know the ones – where they surprise you as you eat more and more and then – BOOM – spiciness kicks in. But no. It stayed rather muted right through to the aftertaste.
Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout The Bottom Line
Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout wasn’t as smoky or as spicy as I thought it was going to be. It’s definitely drinkable and a nice change from the usual stouts out there.
Where to Buy Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout
Baird Smoke & Fire Habanero Stout can be bought online at the following places:
