This fall I bought a New Glarus sampler that included this Coffee Stout. It was easily one of the best coffee stouts I've had, but I didn't get a chance to write down my impressions. Back in Wisconsin for Christmas, I was happy to see that the samplers available still included this seasonal. Coffee naturally goes well with stouts, but that doesn't mean they always hit the mark. As with any addition, there are coffee infused beers that I've had that miss the mark on balance, either overdoing it, or understating it to the point that you only know its there because of the label. Of the coffee infused beers I've had, I'd put the top three as: Surly's Coffee Bender, Founders Breakfast Stout, and New Glarus'. This beer is a perfect blend of coffee and roasty stouty goodness. Does it get any better than that combo done right? Anyway, onto the review:
Pours jet black with a lacy finger of khaki head. Gread rich coffee aroma with some faint chocolate. Bitter at first, with the coffee really making itself known, but that soon gives way to some nice chocoalety and even slightly nutty flavors. Some nice caramely notes as well, but the coffee is present throughout the beer. It doesn't dominate, but lingers nicely in the finish along with the chocolately sweetness. Perfectly balanced between the two, it's like taking a drink of your favorite stout, and immediately taking a drink of a well brewed cup of coffee. A perfect 10 in my book!
Stay tune this week for my second annual year end awards. In the spirit of end of the year lists, I'll break down the year that was in my drinking and brewing of beer.
Salud!
Bearded Brewer
3 comments:
Have you tried the Town Hall Festivus that is currently on tap?
No, I need to get to there to check it out. I love their stuff when I get a chance to get it.
Nice beer, how about %ABV?
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