Chaka

My geek-dom for beers has increased dramatically from even a year ago. I am into cellaring brews as well as finding rare ones only found on the front range to throw into my library. I discovered The Chaka while at the Tasty Weasel one afternoon while imbibing with Heather about two months ago. A guy was leaving as we walked in holding his baby in a portable car seat in one hand and 2 four packs of the strangest damn cans I had ever seen. They looked like energy drinks. 'Hey man, is that beer?', I asked. 'Dude, this is not only beer but one of the best I have had in a while!' Provocative. We bellied up and I asked one of the bartenders where I can get a can of...what did the guy call it? Chaka! They told me they only sell 4 packs and they are going quick. "I'll take two four packs please!"

Chaka is a Belgian Style Ale as it is advertised on the can. It's a collaboration with Sun King out of Indiana. Whom I don't know much about. It comes in around 8% of sweet malty goodness along with the traditional Belgian sour hit that's so common. It has a nice carbonation to it that literally fizzes in yo face as you sip. The nutty flavors from the malt compliment the slightly hoppy aromas and taste. And as I have mentioned more than once when reviewing bigger brews it's pleasantly sticky on the lips signifying a fair amount of sugars. The temperature changes the beer quite a bit. Cold, it's not as sugary. A bit warmer and the malty goodness stands out with hits of hazelnuts. It's really easy to drink in terms of not having much alcohol taste or feel. I had one last week on Father's Day, which was blazing hot at around 90 degrees. I stuck a Chaka in the freezer for about 20 minutes and I have to say it was really refreshing.

Oskars has canned another batch and is currently selling 4 packs at the Weasel. I suggest you make the trip and buy some.

cheers...couldn't resist the pic of Chaka from Land of the Lost.

D