La Colada
Biscayne Bay Brewing Co.

 

 

Upon opening this bottle sudsed over and spilled out ... not a great sign. In the glass it pours a clear dark walnut color. A huge, frothy khaki head forms on the beer with the gentlest pour. Dissipates quickly before settling in with a thin velvety head. Aroma has notes of chocolate malts, with some light roastiness, hints of coffee and some cream or lactose notes. There is also a hint of ripe cherries on the nose.

Taste is really difficult - there are the chocolate malts with a bit of roastiness and some coffee. There is also a definite fruity cherry note - it tastes off, but it also could be coming from the coffee depending on the coffee bean/roast used by the brewer. Even if it is from the coffee beer, it is not a flavor I am particularly enjoying in this beer. Then there are the cream notes on the finish with some of that roast coming through again. Feel is thin and light. Moderate carbonation.

Ultimately I am not enjoying this. The tangy fruit note just is not what I want from a Cuban coffee inspired beer. Regardless of it it is intentional or not, I am not enjoying that flavor addition.

 

 

 

 

On-tap at City Works, Doral, FL

A: The beer is very dark brownish red in color when viewed from afar; when held up to a bright light it is clear dark red in color. It poured with a short off white head that left a patch of bubbles on the surface and a narrow collar around the edge of the glass.
S: Light aromas of coffee beans are present in the nose.
T: The taste follows the smell and has a bit stronger flavors of coffee.
M: It feels light- to medium-bodied on the palate and has a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer doesn't have as much aromas and flavors of coffee compared to other coffee beers but still fits the profile of a porter.

Serving type: on-tap

 

12 ounce bottle, no date seen. Poured into a Lexan tulip for outdoor enjoyment. Pours a cola brown, finely bubbled, generous creamy head. This is the best lacing I’ve seen in a recent beer. Layers of lace down the entire glass. Nose of malted milk balls, wood, acidic tangy note. Only hints of coffee.
Tast of chocolate roasted malt, dusty chocolate, sharp bite. Nuttiness. Smooth and mellow coffee as it warms.
Creamy texture, light mouthfeel, easy drinking.
Was expecting more coffee but overall a well done beer.

Brown ale with a tan head; excellent production and retention. Many nasty looking floaties in the body, however.

Coffee is prominent on the nose, along with more traditional porter-like qualities: roast, red grapes, caramel.

Flavor follows; it's a relatively unremarkable porter base, although the amount of coffee translates fairly well. The result is a nutty, bitter, mildly sweet brew that comes across much like cola.

This isn't quite doing it for me, although I wouldn't say it's a bad beer. Sadly, I can't help but be influenced by the floaties; I'm cringing with each sip before it actually reaches my lips.

 

Good porter and wouldn’t ever know it’s 7.5%. Coffee taste. I would get this again in a heartbeat!

 

Dark brown color with a thick beige head with decent retention.
Aroma with predominant notes of creamy chocolate, drops of coffee and some licorice.
Flavor with notes of creamy (initially) and dark chocolate, pine, lots of licorice, American yeast and roasted coffee beans. Dry aftertaste with a medium bitterness.
Medium body with perfect carbonation.
Decent American Porter mixing pine, chocolate and coffee.