Wild Blossom Pirate's Blood Chili Pepper Mead (50cl, 12%)

A capsicumel, or chili pepper mead, from Wild Blossom Meadery & Winery in Chicago, Illinois. It is fermented with ancho, moritas and japones peppers, and each bottle contains two whole chili peppers that continue to intensify the heat as it ages. Primary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Serving chilled or slightly below room temperature moderates the heat while preserving the pepper aromatics. The nose leads with roasted dried peppers, warm smokiness and raw honey sweetness, with a chipotle-like depth from the moritas. On the palate, peppery warmth spreads immediately, joined by smoky, earthy ancho tones and a brighter, sharper note from the japones pepper. Honey sweetness emerges gradually to balance the heat. The finish is medium-length, with sustained peppery warmth and honey reasserting at the end.