20 Jul Spindletap Aceite Crudo by Nick B

Aceite Crudo

Spindletap Brewery

Northeast Houston

Russian Imperial Stout

ABV: 12%

IBUs: N/A

Packaging: Draft only

As last week’s Houston Haze release is at a close (they might still have cans so maybe it’s not over), I think it’s time that we remember that Spindletap doesn’t have just ONE beer! I’ve had most of their offerings from time to time since I last visited the brewery and they’re not too shabby.

Honey Hole actually pairs really well with jambalaya. When I went to grab some Haze, I also stuck around to have a pour of Aceite Crudo, their Russian imperial stout.

The nice woman behind the bar set that Spindletap snifter under the tap and it looked like an oil derrick let loose when she pulled the handle. Aceite Crudo is aptly named because of how black and viscous it is. A thin line of tan head sat on top of this delicious looking beer.

That first whiff of Aceite Crudo was a doozy. There was a heavy aroma of dark chocolate, like I had just unwrapped a candy bar, that gave way to some coffee and cream notes. If you can think of opening a bag of coffee creme dark chocolate truffles… That’s what this beer smelled like.

Aceite Crudo flooded my palate after I took a sip. The mouthfeel was huge and the flavors started with a milky sweetness and dark roast coffee at the front end. Bitter chocolate made its way through at the end and left a lingering bitterness that was perfect to me. It was important for me to remember that it’s 12% ABV!

I’m giving Aceite Crudo 4.5 stars because it has all the great qualities of a Russian imperial stout with its bitterness, roast, and chocolate characters, as well as the high alcohol content. Just like it was for me, it was easy to forget that I was drinking a 12% beer. Keep your eye out for it around town, as it makes its way out and about for the first time!

I have to say that it somewhat disheartens me that people believe Spindletap is a one-trick pony now with Houston Haze. Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a damn fine beer! But it’s definitely not all they have. If you love stouts, Aceite Crudo is a must! Beers to you, Houston! 🍻