Table Hopping By Steve Barnes, senior writer on February 3, 2021 at 4:53 PM
Brown’s Calavera imperial stout.
Calavera, an imperial stout from Troy-based Brown’s Brewing Co. that was inspired by Mexican mole sauce, was ranked sixth out of the
VinePair, a web publication that covers the drinks industry.
Only one beer made in New York state, All Riwaka from Other Half Brewing in Brooklyn, ranked higher than Brown’s Calavera, coming in at No. 3.
Reviewing Calavera, VinePair’s editors wrote:
(It) stopped us in our tracks. This imperial stout is aged with ancho chile, vanilla, cinnamon, allspice, and cacao nibs. Our panel appreciated its use of adjuncts without barrel aging, which allows each ingredient to stand out. Moreover, it does so without the syrup-sticky mouthfeel that tends to accompany so many “pastry stouts.” Calavera is fresh on the palate, and velvety-smooth it’s a wonderful Covid-era beer to sip outside by a fire.