21st Amendment Brewing Company- Fireside Chat: Nothing More Than Idle Chit-Chat

Back in November we headed to Ohio to visit family and friends for an annual party my uncle Jack throws every year.  I hopped on-line to see what brews were available in Ohio that I cannot get here in the Northern Illinois area.  I was stoked to find that the Columbus area was one that 21^st Amendment distributed to.  My wickedly sweet-ass friend Tara was sent on a mission prior to our arrival to find which retailers in the area carried 21^st Amendment.  She found out that Spagio Cellars in Columbus carries 21^st Amendment and got me the phone number and name of one of the peeps who handle their beer inventory.  I gave the gentleman a call at Spagio and asked him to put aside a case of 21^st A’s Fireside Chat as well as a case of their Back In Black and let him know that I would swing by and pick them up upon my arrival to Columbus.  I have only ever had a chance to get a small sample of 21^st A’s BIB and have had their Hell Or High Watermelon at Casa De Lewis.  I am stoked to be reviewing my first 21^st Amendment brew and because of how damn cold it is (currently 14°) I am looking forward to a little extra warmth.  Fireside Chat is poured and ready.

21st Amendment Brewing Company classifies this brew as a warming Strong Ale and their website describes Fireside Chat as, “Like FDR's Depression-era radio addresses, which were like a kick in the butt and a hug at the same time, our Fireside Chat is a subtle twist on the traditional seasonal brew. We begin with a rich, dark, English-style ale and then we improvise with spices until we know we have a beer worth sharing with the nation.

Fireside Chat is our early winter seasonal brew available from October through December in six pack cans and on draft. Brewed like a classic, warming Strong Ale but with a subtle blend of hand-selected spices for just the right festive flair.”

Fireside Chat pours a dark ruby red/reddish brown with a 1” tan head.  The aroma screams cinnamon and nutmeg with hints of vanilla and fruit in the background.

The fireside chats were a series of radio addresses (30 in all) delivered by President Franklin D Roosevelt for an 11 year period between 1933 and 1944.  The President discussed a variety of topics to include economics, war and unemployment.  FDR ran for President on the promise to repeal prohibition and in late 1933 the repeal of prohibition was finalized, beer once again became legal to consume.  So I find it fitting that this winter brew pays tribute to FDR and his Fireside Chats.  This is a very warming brew with a strong flavor.  I get way more strong ale flavor and not as much spice as I would have expected.  The aroma is very deceiving as the cinnamon and nutmeg masks that distinct Strong Ale smell.  I do like Fireside Chat but I’m not quite in love with it.  This is a good beer but I have to say that when it comes to winter seasonal/winter warmers there are better choices that give you that real wintery feel.  However, if you are a fan of Strong Ales with a winter twist then you may have a differing opinion.  It’s worth a try.

ABV: 7.9%

Consumed: Dogfish Head Signature Glass

Verdict: Buy a Six Pack