Spotted Cow
New Glarus Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- American Cream Ale
Ranked #63 - ABV:
- 4.8%
- Score:
- 84
Ranked #31,829 - Avg:
- 3.75 | pDev: 13.33%
- Reviews:
- 876
- Ratings:
- From:
- New Glarus Brewing Company
- Wisconsin, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 301
- Gots
- 1,175
SCORE
84
Good
84
Good
Notes:
Cask conditioned ale has been the popular choice among brews since long before prohibition. We continue this pioneer spirit with our Wisconsin farmhouse ale. Brewed with flaked barley and the finest Wisconsin malts. We even give a nod to our farmers.
Naturally cloudy we allow the yeast to remain in the bottle to enhance fullness of flavors, which cannot be duplicated otherwise. Expect this ale to be fun, fruity and satisfying. You know you're in Wisconsin when you see the Spotted Cow.
Naturally cloudy we allow the yeast to remain in the bottle to enhance fullness of flavors, which cannot be duplicated otherwise. Expect this ale to be fun, fruity and satisfying. You know you're in Wisconsin when you see the Spotted Cow.
Reviews: 876
| Ratings: 3,844
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4.65/5 rDev +24%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I really like this beer. When I lived in Wisconsin and was taking a trip back home this was what I would grab a couple of twelve packs of to share with friends. It has a nice colour and plenty of carbination. Very pleasant smell. It has lot of flavor with a nice finish that doesn't become overwhelming after drinking a few bottles. Has a nice feel to it. Some ale's can be a bit like soda but this is smoother. Packs more flavor than the smell or colour let on. I give it my personal Best of Wisconsin designation. That is saying alot.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
I really like this beer. When I lived in Wisconsin and was taking a trip back home this was what I would grab a couple of twelve packs of to share with friends. It has a nice colour and plenty of carbination. Very pleasant smell. It has lot of flavor with a nice finish that doesn't become overwhelming after drinking a few bottles. Has a nice feel to it. Some ale's can be a bit like soda but this is smoother. Packs more flavor than the smell or colour let on. I give it my personal Best of Wisconsin designation. That is saying alot.
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3.66/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
It's got a light haze, and good lace. Clean nose on this beer, and mildly flavored. A little light on texture, leaving me expecting more. Just not enough going on here but all in all well balanced.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75
It's got a light haze, and good lace. Clean nose on this beer, and mildly flavored. A little light on texture, leaving me expecting more. Just not enough going on here but all in all well balanced.
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3.96/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had at New Glarus Hotel Restaurant on draft into pint tumbler.
The local popularity of this Cream Ale is understandable. Hoppy enough to start, then creamy and sweet and a bit fruity, but then the hops return to clean it up for the next gulp.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Had at New Glarus Hotel Restaurant on draft into pint tumbler.
The local popularity of this Cream Ale is understandable. Hoppy enough to start, then creamy and sweet and a bit fruity, but then the hops return to clean it up for the next gulp.
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5/5 rDev +33.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Alright y'all, this beer is great, it is delightfully light yet full bodied, it pours in a hazy fashion but finishes crisp with a wonderful aroma and taste
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look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Alright y'all, this beer is great, it is delightfully light yet full bodied, it pours in a hazy fashion but finishes crisp with a wonderful aroma and taste
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4.1/5 rDev +9.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an unfiltered orange with just a bit of head
Smells of honey and fresh orange peel
Interesting taste with distinct progression. First I get honey, then a bit of lemon, and it finishes with a nice breadlines.
Lightly carbonated, creamy mouthfeel, nice sweet finish, almost like a Belgian ale
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Pours an unfiltered orange with just a bit of head
Smells of honey and fresh orange peel
Interesting taste with distinct progression. First I get honey, then a bit of lemon, and it finishes with a nice breadlines.
Lightly carbonated, creamy mouthfeel, nice sweet finish, almost like a Belgian ale
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3.68/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Presentation - 12 oz brown bottle poured into a pint glass
Appearance - Straw-yellow, slightly cloudy, initial pour yields thick head that dissipates quickly
Smell - Mild, yeasty, citrus-hoppy
Taste - Hints of citrus, balanced between malt and hops, bready aftertaste
Mouthfeel - Smooth, effervescent, medium-body, creamy
Overall - Very enjoyable, session-able ale
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Presentation - 12 oz brown bottle poured into a pint glass
Appearance - Straw-yellow, slightly cloudy, initial pour yields thick head that dissipates quickly
Smell - Mild, yeasty, citrus-hoppy
Taste - Hints of citrus, balanced between malt and hops, bready aftertaste
Mouthfeel - Smooth, effervescent, medium-body, creamy
Overall - Very enjoyable, session-able ale
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3.98/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Presentation: 12 oz. brown bottle with no dates, served in a tulip glass.
Appearance: The bright white, one finger head goes away fairly quickly and leaves behind a lot of lacing in big patches. It's a hazy, bright gold color.
Smell: A pleasant, flowery aroma hits the nose first, followed by sweeter notes of malt and even honey.
Taste: It's a soft, sweet, earthy, malty and grainy flavor at the beginning with a hint of floral hops in the background as well.
Mouthfeel: It feels soft and quite light but there's substance to it. It's crisp, refreshing and easy to drink with medium-high carbonation.
Overall: This beer is simply a classic. It's soft but flavorful, light and refreshing but far from boring, easy to drink and perfect for any time of the year.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Presentation: 12 oz. brown bottle with no dates, served in a tulip glass.
Appearance: The bright white, one finger head goes away fairly quickly and leaves behind a lot of lacing in big patches. It's a hazy, bright gold color.
Smell: A pleasant, flowery aroma hits the nose first, followed by sweeter notes of malt and even honey.
Taste: It's a soft, sweet, earthy, malty and grainy flavor at the beginning with a hint of floral hops in the background as well.
Mouthfeel: It feels soft and quite light but there's substance to it. It's crisp, refreshing and easy to drink with medium-high carbonation.
Overall: This beer is simply a classic. It's soft but flavorful, light and refreshing but far from boring, easy to drink and perfect for any time of the year.
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4.28/5 rDev +14.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Had at GRB airport 6/18/19 after Gary Rolain highly recommend it. Wisconsin brewer that is quite popular evidently. Although not a huge Pilsner fan, this was a tolerable, lighter brew. Seemed to have a bit of a poor man’s Oberon flavor to it with a citrus aftertaste. Probably have again if presented an opportunity.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Had at GRB airport 6/18/19 after Gary Rolain highly recommend it. Wisconsin brewer that is quite popular evidently. Although not a huge Pilsner fan, this was a tolerable, lighter brew. Seemed to have a bit of a poor man’s Oberon flavor to it with a citrus aftertaste. Probably have again if presented an opportunity.
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3.6/5 rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Being a proud Wisconsinite this is "old hat". If it is on tap I will choose it over many others but from the bottle or can it is like the "fat tire" of New Glarus. Ease of access has caused it to lose its' charm. Still a good mainstay. So many other New Glarus that are better!
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Being a proud Wisconsinite this is "old hat". If it is on tap I will choose it over many others but from the bottle or can it is like the "fat tire" of New Glarus. Ease of access has caused it to lose its' charm. Still a good mainstay. So many other New Glarus that are better!
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3.82/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Aroma: grain, candi sugar, coriander, lemon. Floral as is warms, honeysuckle.
Appearance: translucent, pale golden, white thin head.
Flavor: as it smells, grain, slight corn, medium low apple/pear esters.
Mouthfeel: Med carbonation, med body, no alcohol warming.
Overall: Medium bodied ale high on the grainy notes. Nice floral aroma.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Aroma: grain, candi sugar, coriander, lemon. Floral as is warms, honeysuckle.
Appearance: translucent, pale golden, white thin head.
Flavor: as it smells, grain, slight corn, medium low apple/pear esters.
Mouthfeel: Med carbonation, med body, no alcohol warming.
Overall: Medium bodied ale high on the grainy notes. Nice floral aroma.
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4.6/5 rDev +22.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is just beautiful. Beautiful to look at, smell, and taste. Little bit Belgian blonde and little bit saison, wonderful balance of fruit, light hops, delicate yeast flavoring, and just the right touch of bitterness. Lots of complex flavors, none of them overpowering. Lots to think about or not think about while drinking this delicious beer. Could stick with this all night and just keep enjoying it.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
This beer is just beautiful. Beautiful to look at, smell, and taste. Little bit Belgian blonde and little bit saison, wonderful balance of fruit, light hops, delicate yeast flavoring, and just the right touch of bitterness. Lots of complex flavors, none of them overpowering. Lots to think about or not think about while drinking this delicious beer. Could stick with this all night and just keep enjoying it.
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3.86/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into Nonic pint
H179 date code
Pours blonde with slight chill haze, thin white head good retention
Grainy cereal aroma, cream, complex fruity notes
Taste follows, starts off light almost lager-like, however the fruity finish is really complex
Light bodied, average carbonation, dry feel
Overall this beer is good as it is unique
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
12oz bottle into Nonic pint
H179 date code
Pours blonde with slight chill haze, thin white head good retention
Grainy cereal aroma, cream, complex fruity notes
Taste follows, starts off light almost lager-like, however the fruity finish is really complex
Light bodied, average carbonation, dry feel
Overall this beer is good as it is unique
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3.79/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
This should certainly not be listed as a cream ale... It is far more saison/farmhouse in nature...
Poured from a can into a pint glass
Appearance – The beer pours a hazy orange amber color with a small white head of fizzy foam. The head fades very fast to leave just trace of foamy lace on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma of the brew is very bready and yeasty with a little orange and some harvest fruits. Along with these aromas comes some notes of hay and grass as well as a decent showing of coriander and clove.
Taste – The taste begins as one may expect from the nose with a rather wheat bready taste that has a strong showing of orange and yeast. Upfront there is also some spice tastes of coriander and clove, with both of these growing stronger as the taste moves forward. Along with the spice increasing in taste, so too does some flavors of hay and grass. All the while, the sweetness of the brew seems to increase as well with fruit flavors of orange and banana, as well as some light candied sugar tastes coming to the tongue. With the sweet, bread, grass, and spice flavors one is left with a very robust and enjoyable Belgium style farmhouse taste to linger on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – the body of the brew is a bit on the thicker and chewier side for a beer of its abv. and style with a carbonation level that is a tad low. The feel was fantastic for the slightly sweeter and bready tastes of the brew and accentuates the chewy flavors of the beer quite nicely.
Overall – This is a fine example of the slightly sweeter farmhouse style ale. It has a great body, nice yeasty and spicy hit, all while keeping a sweet and drinkable feel. Overall rather well done.
1,702 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
This should certainly not be listed as a cream ale... It is far more saison/farmhouse in nature...
Poured from a can into a pint glass
Appearance – The beer pours a hazy orange amber color with a small white head of fizzy foam. The head fades very fast to leave just trace of foamy lace on the sides of the glass.
Smell – The aroma of the brew is very bready and yeasty with a little orange and some harvest fruits. Along with these aromas comes some notes of hay and grass as well as a decent showing of coriander and clove.
Taste – The taste begins as one may expect from the nose with a rather wheat bready taste that has a strong showing of orange and yeast. Upfront there is also some spice tastes of coriander and clove, with both of these growing stronger as the taste moves forward. Along with the spice increasing in taste, so too does some flavors of hay and grass. All the while, the sweetness of the brew seems to increase as well with fruit flavors of orange and banana, as well as some light candied sugar tastes coming to the tongue. With the sweet, bread, grass, and spice flavors one is left with a very robust and enjoyable Belgium style farmhouse taste to linger on the tongue.
Mouthfeel – the body of the brew is a bit on the thicker and chewier side for a beer of its abv. and style with a carbonation level that is a tad low. The feel was fantastic for the slightly sweeter and bready tastes of the brew and accentuates the chewy flavors of the beer quite nicely.
Overall – This is a fine example of the slightly sweeter farmhouse style ale. It has a great body, nice yeasty and spicy hit, all while keeping a sweet and drinkable feel. Overall rather well done.
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4.6/5 rDev +22.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
This is my favorite beer of all time. Only sold in Wisconsin so anytime I am up that way, I buy several cases. Super smooth cream ale. Perfect with a nice aged cheddar or gouda cheese. Pairs perfect with a brat or any meat for that matter.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
This is my favorite beer of all time. Only sold in Wisconsin so anytime I am up that way, I buy several cases. Super smooth cream ale. Perfect with a nice aged cheddar or gouda cheese. Pairs perfect with a brat or any meat for that matter.
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3.79/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Description: Light honey color, straw-like with a slightly off white head that melts away quickly. Little to no hoppiness in the aroma, but instead a sweet, bready mix and rather subdued. Taste is sweet with hints of lactose and maybe corn (?). Very mellow with perhaps some light fruity, melon notes. Mouthfeel is thin with high carbonation.
Overall: 3.75 (This beer is good but I would not likely drink it again) I think this beer is probably more renowned for its scarcity and difficulty to obtain outside Wisconsin than it is for being a really good beer. It's not bad, mind you, just not anything to write home about. I found it to be too sweet for my taste (literally) and would have liked some hops. Alas, that's what a cream ale is. On a positive note, it drinks smoothly and is the kind of beer that you could knock back a few of without much effort.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Description: Light honey color, straw-like with a slightly off white head that melts away quickly. Little to no hoppiness in the aroma, but instead a sweet, bready mix and rather subdued. Taste is sweet with hints of lactose and maybe corn (?). Very mellow with perhaps some light fruity, melon notes. Mouthfeel is thin with high carbonation.
Overall: 3.75 (This beer is good but I would not likely drink it again) I think this beer is probably more renowned for its scarcity and difficulty to obtain outside Wisconsin than it is for being a really good beer. It's not bad, mind you, just not anything to write home about. I found it to be too sweet for my taste (literally) and would have liked some hops. Alas, that's what a cream ale is. On a positive note, it drinks smoothly and is the kind of beer that you could knock back a few of without much effort.
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3.82/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From a 12oz bottle. Cloudy golden color with white head. Smells of grainy malt. Light and creamy feel. Tastes of sweet malt with some floral hops. Nicely balanced and very drinkable.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
From a 12oz bottle. Cloudy golden color with white head. Smells of grainy malt. Light and creamy feel. Tastes of sweet malt with some floral hops. Nicely balanced and very drinkable.
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4.15/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
hazy golden colour, multisized bubbled head.
aroma is delicate balance of corn, bready malts and a touch of noble hops
taste is again corn, bready malts and spice from the hops.
body medium to thin with a prickly carbonation and a certain creaminess
High drinkability and corn sweetness and hop bitterness in a gentle balance with the breadiness connecting it. World class cream ale
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
hazy golden colour, multisized bubbled head.
aroma is delicate balance of corn, bready malts and a touch of noble hops
taste is again corn, bready malts and spice from the hops.
body medium to thin with a prickly carbonation and a certain creaminess
High drinkability and corn sweetness and hop bitterness in a gentle balance with the breadiness connecting it. World class cream ale
383 characters
3.85/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Good beer. Tastes kinda like a Belgian blonde. Really clean, fresh feel. Flavor is a little lacking...like you can taste the flavor, it's there, and what's there is good...there's just not enough of it. All in all though an enjoyable brew.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Good beer. Tastes kinda like a Belgian blonde. Really clean, fresh feel. Flavor is a little lacking...like you can taste the flavor, it's there, and what's there is good...there's just not enough of it. All in all though an enjoyable brew.
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3.85/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Really solid all day kind of beer. Really enjoyed the overall balance and mellowness. Appealing if not remarkable in the glass, good mouthfeel and a warm finish.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Really solid all day kind of beer. Really enjoyed the overall balance and mellowness. Appealing if not remarkable in the glass, good mouthfeel and a warm finish.
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4/5 rDev +6.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Can. Have wanted to try this for years. The lore of this brand is alluring. The beer is really just an easy drinking, addicting brew. Could delete several of this and never think twice. Maybe was expecting a little more unique flavor character but I got no complaints. Would drink this a bunch if available.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Can. Have wanted to try this for years. The lore of this brand is alluring. The beer is really just an easy drinking, addicting brew. Could delete several of this and never think twice. Maybe was expecting a little more unique flavor character but I got no complaints. Would drink this a bunch if available.
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4.99/5 rDev +33.1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Spotted is a incredibly unique farmhouse ale, fairly light, however not watery, with a great but not overly strong fruity flavor. It is extremely drinkable, for example the kind of beer you can have on tap all night and not get sick of, where as even a great IPA becomes too acidic after a few. Truly underrated on this website.
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look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Spotted is a incredibly unique farmhouse ale, fairly light, however not watery, with a great but not overly strong fruity flavor. It is extremely drinkable, for example the kind of beer you can have on tap all night and not get sick of, where as even a great IPA becomes too acidic after a few. Truly underrated on this website.
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3.73/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Not a spectacular beer, but a really good example of the style. Good body, crisp drinking beer with a slight twinge of appropriate (corn?)adjunct flavor. Very well made beer for what it is.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Not a spectacular beer, but a really good example of the style. Good body, crisp drinking beer with a slight twinge of appropriate (corn?)adjunct flavor. Very well made beer for what it is.
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2.9/5 rDev -22.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Honestly don’t see what all the hype is. Tastes like you if you’ve been drinking Coors Light all night then had a Corona and burped. The burp would taste like spotted cow.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Honestly don’t see what all the hype is. Tastes like you if you’ve been drinking Coors Light all night then had a Corona and burped. The burp would taste like spotted cow.
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3.9/5 rDev +4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
L: Pours a slightly clouded yellow orange with a large white creamy head that dissipated quickly and leaves thick sheets of lacing all around the glass.
S: Notes of wheat, grain, and maybe a little corn, slightly floral and piney hop. Pretty inviting for a cream ale.
T: Creamy wheat and grain, a slight bit of banana, slight hop presence, don't like the taste quite as much as the smell but still nice.
F: Creamy mouthfeel, but still light and easy to crush.
O: This is a really nice cream ale.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
L: Pours a slightly clouded yellow orange with a large white creamy head that dissipated quickly and leaves thick sheets of lacing all around the glass.
S: Notes of wheat, grain, and maybe a little corn, slightly floral and piney hop. Pretty inviting for a cream ale.
T: Creamy wheat and grain, a slight bit of banana, slight hop presence, don't like the taste quite as much as the smell but still nice.
F: Creamy mouthfeel, but still light and easy to crush.
O: This is a really nice cream ale.
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3.7/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Good beer overall. It's easy to drink, but it's not really my style. It looks pretty and smells nice. As far as cream ales go, its a solid beer. I suggest it. It won't blow you away, but it's good.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Good beer overall. It's easy to drink, but it's not really my style. It looks pretty and smells nice. As far as cream ales go, its a solid beer. I suggest it. It won't blow you away, but it's good.
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Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company
Beer rating:
84 out of
100 with
3844 ratings
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