Ahh, December. So begins one of my favorite seasons -- sure, it may be a little cold and rainy outside, but what better excuse is there for pulling deliciously aged Oregon beers out of the cellar? Okay, maybe SXNW hasn't been out for very long (it's probably still available at your favorite beer store), but after being so delighted with Burnside's chili beer, I was really itching to crack this one open and see how a little spice added to a dark beer would pan out. Widmer's Brothers' Reserve beers aren't cheap, though, and maybe the heftier price and fancy packaging set my expectations a little too high... I can definitely taste the nutty pecan flavors in there. Cocoa nibs, too, are right up-front and prevalent in the flavor profile, and make this beer deep, rich, and incredibly smooth. Surprisingly smooth for a 9% beer, actually. There is a tiny hint of chilies on the end, but it translates more to a subtle "bright" note more than any real spiciness. Maybe the chilies develop more as the beer ages? Bottom line: I'd definitely drink this again if I saw it on tap, but a little pricy for me to want to buy another bottle. Delicious all the same.