Java Space
11 Below Brewing

 

I'm a big fan of this seasonal beer from 11B, much like its sister brew, Negative Space. But with the addition of coffee to the mix, it can only be better. Unlike some coffee stouts, Java Space does not forsake its category by underplaying the Java -- nice coffee flavor here, smoothed out by a creamy milk stout foundation. Nice, light-brown foam on pour, with a deep but not-too-dark coloring. I make sure every year that I grab a little of this for reserve. If there was anything I would change about this beer (dangerous), I'd consider dropping the sugar 5% (to say I'm nitpicking is an understatement). Great beer.

 

 

Pours a pitch black color with a thick brown foamy head. Head retention is very good, as is lacing. A lot of roasted coffee in the arom with some chocolate still. Big and roasty java taste with some nice smooth chocolate at the end. Very, very good. Heavy bodied with mild to moderate carbonation.

 

Pours black with a finger of khaki foam. Head retention is good. Aroma is vanilla bean, espresso, spices and roasty malts. Flavor profile is expressive and dynamic spices, medium-roast coffee, vanilla bean and roasted and toasted malts. Mouth feel medium-thick, with a velvety and silty texture. Overall, flavorful stout with a lovely blend of spices and coffee.

Draft. Reviewed on phone.

 

 

 

 

Serving: On tap at the 11 Below Brewing taproom, served as a half pour in a shaker pint.

Appearance: Deep, inky dark brown with a thick head of brown foam.

Smell: Rich aroma roasted coffee, dark chocolate and sweet malt.

Taste: More roasted malt, chocolate, and milky sweet coffee continue from the nose with hints of warm spice and slight char.

Mouthfeel: Medium to full body, creamy smooth feel and soft to moderate carbonation.

Overall: Sweet, strong and tasty like its base brew Negative Space, with a complementary dose of coffee.