Thanks to Beer Belly ONS Ambassador Rich, I got the chance to crack open the special Smog City and Beer Belly collaboration, Mind of a Fruitcake.
This is a serious fruitcake beer. I can see that people might be divided like they are with the actual doorstop of a holiday treat.
Cinnamon is really prevalent here along with a sticky sweetness. This cola colored ale was aged in wine barrels (red) but that is completely faded to the deep background as the quad and spice take center stage. On a side note, The first “Mind of…” beer felt under peach-ed. Now this one is bold as all get out.
There are some beers that can be drunk with a multitude of foods but this one screams to be paired with dessert. I keep thinking of gingerbread cookies. Something spicy but sharp to contrast against the viscosity of the beer.
I think you could pair it with a cheese, fruit and cracker plate too. A nice aged mild cheddar with some nutty notes, some dried fruit (apricots & pears come to mind) and some neutral crackers could break up the spices that get overwhelming pretty quick. Maybe the tray could contain some pecans too…. Lots of different textures….