Cobbler Craft
Mikkeller ApS

 

 

 

Billed as an NEIPA because of its pour, but it's actually best understood as a spiced DIPA. And, as a spiced ale, it's borderline excellent: tastes like a goddamned peach cobbler. It's thick and smooth, with peaches and cream up front, yeasty spice in the back and finish, and not a single hint of bitterness. It never tastes ersatz or cloyingly sweet.

This isn't going to be for everybody--it's certainly a strange beer. But it's one of those rare occasions when a brewer is able to pull off an absolutely insane idea almost flawlessly.

 

Pours a hazy peach color with fine, soft foam.

Smell is peachy, both fresh and canned varieties, with a hint of cinnamon gum.

Taste is sweet with peaches, cream, cinnamon and some pepperiness.

Mouthfeel is medium, soft and well carbonated.

Overall, very much a pie of a beer. Not for everyone, but I liked it.

 

Type: 16-oz. can
Glass: Melvin 14-oz. Spiegelau IPA glass
From: Bottlecraft Little Italy in San Diego, Calif.
Price: $5.99
Purchased: June 23, 2018
Consumed: June 24, 2018
Reviewed as: New England Double / Imperial IPA
Misc.: Unable to read canned on date, but it was fresh; Purchased on release day

Sought this beer out, which was brewed for Bottlecraft’s seventh anniversary by Mikkeller San Diego. Online description called it, “Collab with Bottlecraft. New England Style IPA with Peach Puree & Cinnamon Sticks and hopped with Citra & Mosaic.” Lots to break down there. Was in when I saw cinnamon sticks. Throw in Citra and Mosaic I was determined to try it, which I did on its release night, giving a taster a 4.25 (I remember thinking I may have been slightly overrating it) on Untappd. At the end of the night went back and grabbed a can for a future review.

Poured a thick hazy pale color with 1-to-2 fingers of off-white frothy head. Calm setting underneath with no noticeable bubbles. Good spotty lacing. Very good retention. (Sight - 4.00)

Smelled fantastic. They wanted something that tasted like a peach cobbler and they nailed it in the nose. Got peach cobbler, cinnamon, nutmeg, crust, vanilla cream, sugar, juicy peach, apricot, floral and perfume. More peach and cinnamon from the can. Couldn’t really distinguish the hops, but I think Citra was leading the way with how sweet it was. (Smell - 4.50)

Taste followed the nose almost to a ‘T’ although not so sure it is 4.50 worthy. In order got cinnamon, nutmeg, peach cobbler, juicy peach, apricot, vanilla cream, sugary Citra, dry crust, floral and perfume. Didn’t particularly get Mosaic, but there were so many other flavors that stood out that it might have just been overwhelmed. (Taste - 4.25)

Medium body. Oily-to-sticky texture. Average carbonation. Dry, sweet finish. (Feel - 4.50)

Just an excellent beer. Mikkeller SD and Bottlecraft nailed what they were trying to accomplish here. Not sure I’d want more than one, but that one was great. (Overall - 4.25)

4.32 | 96 | A