Are you feeling daring? Looking for a unique drinking experience? Well, then you'll be happy to know that there's a beer like no other: Crazy Ed's Cave Creek Chili Beer, which was even tested and tasted by the late Michael Jackson himself! This aptly-named beer will certainly leave an interesting impression, even if you don't love it.
Craft beer culture has come a long way over the past couple decades — from being a small movement dominated by homebrewers to now having numerous, successful craft breweries in nearly every state. Among these brewers, many have concocted odd – and at times wacky – beer recipes that even the most experienced beer connoisseurs would scoff at.
There is a particular, unique beer that stands out among these peculiar concoctions. If a contest were to be held to find the worst beer ever created, Crazy Ed’s Cave Creek Chili Beer would surely win. This beer was so reviled, it was even endorsed by the once-great Michael Jackson – the King of Beer – himself.
During the early 1990s, a certain local Burger King in Cave Creek, Arizona, was managed by Ed Chilleen. Ed was something of an iconoclastic character – an idiosyncratic beer enthusiast who was inspired by the likes of Michael Jackson, Charlie Papazian, and other brewers of the day. Ed was determined to create the strangest beer recipe he could devise.
Ed chose to blend his favorite ales and lagers with jalapeños –and after a while, he was able to perfect something he was proud enough to serve to his customers. Shortly after Michael Jackson’s ill-fated visit, Ed Chilleen concocted possibly the most despised beer of all time: Crazy Ed’s Cave Creek Chili Beer.
According to those who have tasted it, all can agree that the Crazy Ed’s Cave Creek Chili Beer is truly an acquired taste. The recipe consists of a carefully balanced blend of jalapeños and hops, which casts a slight kick that is sure to surprise you. Be warned – it’s a strong kick that could cause you to despise it at first, or – if you’re brave enough, it may encourage you to try it again a second time.
The sheer complexity and unique flavor of the chili beer causes many beer enthusiasts to debate whether the beer is bad, or ‘so bad it’s good.’ Many beer connoisseurs will argue on its merits, but the fact of the matter is that the chili beer has become something of an underground cult classic among beer aficionados.
What makes Cave Creek Chili Beer so special is its story. Created by an unsung beer maker, the beer has a certain charm that only comes from being so daringly absent from the mainstream. The Chili Beer is something that only a handful of brewers are crazy enough to attempt. And, of course, it’s the taste that keeps enthusiasts coming back for more. While it falls on the bad side for most, for some it’s simply delicious.
Not everyone got to experience Cave Creek Chili Beer. Here’s a list of some fun facts about this unique beer.
Cave Creek Chili Beer has been captivating beer enthusiasts for over 20 years. It has a unique flavor that can only be appreciated by the brave. All in all, the chili beer may not be for everyone – but for the courageous few who dare to try it, it’s sure to be an experience.