Calm Before The Storm

In evaluating this beer, I was only told that it was a “flavored Cream Ale.” This helps by identifying the perceived flavors and aromas and being able to compare them to what the brewer intended.

The malt is a background canvas of slightly grainy but indistinct breadiness. The initial aroma is a big cold-brewed coffee character with a slight residual sweetness – like raising a cup of fresh coffee with lots of cream to your nose. There is also a bit of coconut and vanilla in the aroma with a background of cotton candy.

The flavor brings substantial coffee, and also an interesting hazelnut note that blends well with the coffee (like adding a shot of Frangelico). Very low floral hop flavor and relatively low bittering help to present the coffee as fresh. The finish is relatively dry with slight confectioner's sugar flavor (without much sweetness).

If you like coffee or hazelnut, you will love this beer! Drink this beer at work instead of coffee for your coffee break (just kidding…), or with a nice cheesy omelet and some pork jowl bacon.