Kranked
Small Batch Beer Co.

 

Served on-tap at Small Batch Beer Co. in Winston-Salem, NC

A: Pours an opaque jet black in color with light to moderate amounts of gentle visible carbonation along the edges of the glass and faint hints of dark cola brown highlights. The beer has a two finger tall dense foamy tan head that slowly reduces to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer with a thick ring at the edges of the glass. Moderate to significant amounts of lacing are observed.

S: Moderate aromas of roasted malts and ground coffee with lighter aromas of nuts.

T: Upfront there is a light to moderate flavor of roasted malts with some light hints of nuts. That is followed by moderate flavors of coffee and just a touch of earthiness. Light amounts of bitterness which lingers for a short amount of time.

M: Medium bodied with moderate amounts of carbonation. Slightly thin (would be much better on a nitro-tap).

O: There are nice flavors and aromas from the coffee in this beer but I would have enjoyed it a lot more with a little more creaminess to the mouthfeel. Easy to drink and sessionable - was quite nice on a cold late autumn evening.

I don't usually post reviews, but had to speak up about this. It was served with four inches of head. The staff were busily dumping copious amounts of head on every beer served. Smells like dirt. Tastes like kerosene. Doesnt taste like beer. Doesn't taste like coffee. I had high hopes for Small Batch, but I probably won't return.