Cigar City’s Review-napuh

Hunahpu's by Andrew, on Flickr

Rarely do beers of this nature live up to the expectations formed in my head. The fact that I have heard this beer is legen-wait for it-dary, doesn’t mean anything to me until it hits my lips, travels over my taste buds and proceeds south to my belly. Beers such as Cigar City Hunahpu’s Imperial Stout can fluctuate in quality and consistency, and sometimes be completely different beers the next time they are produced. All in all I knew one thing was for sure, I needed to try this beer. This lead me to make sure that I was present when this year’s Hunahpu was served at the Great Nebraska Beer Best.

Hunahpu's by Andrew, on Flickr
Hunahpu’s by Andrew, on Flickr

If you don’t know much about Mayan mythology then I’m sure you think I have misspelled this beer’s name, however that’s not the case. Without going into too much detail, Hunahpu’s back story is one of dark magic, betrayal, and death. Worry not my friends for this beer is anything but death (although I do suspect some sort of magic is involved in its creation). Okay, okay, shut up and get onto how it tastes already!

After a little sweet talking and a wealth of Cigar City specific praises, I was poured a glass from a 750ml bottle that was chilled on ice. My first thought was how this beer resembled a dark, stormy night, one in which there is no hope for staying dry. The head was about a quarter inch of rich mocha color, and was retained throughout my journey to the bottom of my glass. Having any doubt about the legend that is Hunahpuh was completely vanquished at this point by the aroma this beer relinquished onto my olfactory. The smell of roasted malts, dark chocolate, and vanilla filled my nostrils and on my second sniff I picked up a subtle peppery spice I couldn’t quite recognize. This definitely added to my anticipation. Upon tasting Hunahpuh my nose’s observations could be confirmed. Huge roasted malt flavors, cacao nibs, and the following of what seemed like a mole sauce or possible poblano or ancho chili pepper flavor. I could also sense a faint coffee and cinnamon flavor that just added to the complexity. For a beer this complex, I was shocked at how well balanced Hunahpuh was. The carbonation was perfect, the body was full, and the peppery finish made me feel a little like I was living a dream. A real treat for my mouth! At 11% alcohol and 80 IBU, this beer is not to be trifled with, however if you EVER have the chance of trying this beer, do not underestimate, or hesitate to try. Hunahpuh lives up to every word and then some. Hun Hunahpuh’s descendents can rest in peace knowing their father’s legend has lived on.