Review - Peak Organic Brewing Company's Espresso Amber Ale
"Espresso Amber Ale bottle A robust amber ale brewed with locally roasted, organic fair trade espresso. The espresso is a dark Sumatran blend, which adds a toasty character in the front palate. This plays nicely off the sweet malty flavors found on the back palate of this amber ale." -- Peak Organic Brewing Company
Pours a rich deep amber color with a slight garnet hue, producing a large, two finger frothy tan colored head with excellent retention. Body has excellent clarity, very still. sticky, foamy lacing clings to the glass. Body has settled a beautiful chestnut color. Aroma is of rich roasted coffee, moderate to heavy in strength. Dominant malt backbone. The aroma is inviting and intriguing...will the taste live up to the aroma? Initial taste is loaded with dominant bitter coffee notes although there is a smoothness like a nice crema on top of an espresso. The finish is still bitter although much more mellow with some of the sweet maltiness coming through. Long-lingering coffee taste. Rich and Creamy, with a dominant roasted coffee presence. The carbonation levels are minimal and allows the coffee delight to flow smoothly. The creamy texture leaves a soft bitter - burnt flavor on the palate. At first taste, the coffee is sorta overwhelming, but over time it balances out.
Well-balanced between the hops and malts (putting aside the dominant coffee taste), the 6.8% alcohol is well hidden. This beer has been moved to our 'personal favorites' list.
Reviewed on December 15th, 2008.