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Alistair Fraser's picture

Coffee Beer: A Delightful Drink That Will Blow Your Mind

Discover the fascinating world of coffee beer, a must-try for beer and coffee lovers alike. Learn about the history of this popular drink, how it's made, and the best types of coffee and beer to use.

Coffee Beer: A Delightful Drink That Will Blow Your Mind

Are you ready to explore the world of coffee beer? This refreshing beverage is a must-try for anyone who loves the bold and complex flavors of both coffee and beer. Combining coffee and beer could sound like an unusual idea at first, but once you taste it, you'll understand why coffee beer has become such a popular drink in recent years.

Coffee beer is an increasingly popular choice in the world of craft beer. But the history of this drink goes back to the 19th century, when brewers first started adding coffee to their porter for both its flavor and caffeine content. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history and creation of coffee beer, as well as provide tips on the best types of coffee and beer to use and how to serve and pair the drink for the ultimate sensory experience. Let’s find out more about it!


Coffee Beer History

The origins of coffee beer date back to the 19th century, when the most popular beer style in the world was porter. This dark and roasted beer was brewed with malts that gave it a distinctive flavor. 

Brewers frequently added coffee to their porter to amplify the roasty taste and caffeine content. This practice became prevalent, especially among laborers who needed a boost to stay alert and energized.

Over time, coffee beer has transformed into a more complex and sophisticated drink. One of the earliest recorded versions was Seattle's Best Coffee Porter, brewed by Redhook Brewery in Seattle during the early 1980s.

This was a delightful blend of porter and roasted coffee, resulting in a smooth and mellow flavor that has since become a hallmark of coffee beer.

Today, with mass popularization of craft breweries, coffee beer has become increasingly popular, with breweries experimenting with diverse coffee blends and brewing techniques to create unique and flavorful combinations. The style can vary from light lagers to rich stouts and can be made with coffee beans sourced from all over the world.

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