Cold Brew
Hopewell Brewing Co.

 

 

I tried this beer at Slightly Toasted a new bar and pub near the Northwest train station in downtown Chicago. The beer poured a dark amber with white head that left a spotty lace. The scent had coffee aroma. The taste was nicely balanced and easy to drink with sweet caramel malt and coffee highlights. The mouthfeel was lighter in body with nitro carbonation. Overall its a decent beer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

i was torn between needing a coffee or a beer, so when i rolled into hopewell and saw this on the menu, it was an obvious choice for me. neat in that its a lighter brown ale instead of something bigger like a stout or porter. this has two great effects, the first is that its very light and drinkable, sessionable, have several kind of a thing, the second is that the coffee (which is amazing) really comes through without having to compete with other roasty dark malts, it has center stage on the low end of this thing, which rules and is way too uncommon. the coffee is just great, zero acid from the cold brew technique, blended beautifully, really nice medium roast to it, earthy and sweet as well as bitter and fruity, its a very good coffee. the brown ale itself is far from flavorless too, a dry dusty chocolate malt vibe, even a little bready baking yeast element to keep it interesting. this is a great beer, drinks far lighter than it looks, and finishes quick and delicious. they should package this one first if they move in that direction, there isnt much like it out there. top of my brown ale list right now.

On tap at the brewery. Pours a dark Amber but clear ruby in the light. Smell is coffee, both brewed and ground. Taste is all coffee, slightly sweet. Much more a coffee beverage than a beer. At 4% abv it is very light too. I like this, and it makes for a good change of pace in a session

 

Brewed with Ipsento’s Panama Honey coffee.
Man, who put beer in my coffee?

Pretty much tastes like a cold brew concentrate, lightly astringent and full throttle caffeine.
Dark brown color, good clarity, frothy foam around the edges.

Aroma is pleasant and rich with a smooth blend of coffee and malt.
Taste is similarly rich and smooth, lightly bitter, heavy coffee taste. Almost like a 60/40 blend of coffee and beer. Light to medium bodied, easily drinkable. Overall it's very good, would probably have a pint down the road sometime.