Hello, and welcome back to the Eternal Hoptimists,
Another can with bold claims “Turning coffee beer on its head with the help of Leeds coffee roasters Northstar and Sheffield Brewery Heist. This collab came about thanks to the Cvlt of Independence campaign from podcasters Beernomicon.”
I love beer and coffee, and they work well together in stouts and porters, so why am I a little apprehensive at cracking open this can? Pale ale and coffee just seem an odd combination in these days of massively hopped IPAs.
A three-way collaboration on a beer, will it be wonderful pick me up or a case of ‘too many cooks…’
- Name : Origin
- Brewery: Amity Brew Co, Farsley, West Yorkshire
- Hops : Cashmere and Sabro
- Grain : Barley, wheat and oats
- Aroma : Vanilla but with a slightly bitter edge
- Appearance : Golden, some haze and a white head
- Body : Full bodied with medium carbonation but disappointing head retention
- Taste : Vanilla sweetness and creaminess followed by a subtle milky coffee flavour. A lovely smooth creamy mouthfeel and a sweetness to the finish
- Dietary restrictions : Allergens are highlighted and it states that it is not ‘vegan friendly’
First surprise was on opening the can, I expected earthy coffee tones in the aroma and a light brown, opaque appearance. No, the aromas were more subtle, and, in the glass, it looked like most other beers. Caught off guard its now onto the taste.
On first taste all my doubts were dispelled, this was not a robust coffee you might find in a coffee stout. Here there is subtle coffee flavour with added lactose bringing a creamy sweetness combined produced a fair approximation of a latte (though I usually drink espresso or black). Definitely beer, but certainly heading toward the experimental edge, it is interestingly flavoured with a little complexity. A satisfying experience and a beer I would drink again, though perhaps not one for a mixed session.
Peter’s overall rating: 3.9/ 5.0
The|Eternal|Hoptimitsts 