Spotted Cow
New Glarus Brewing Company
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- From:
- New Glarus Brewing Company
- Wisconsin, United States
- Style:
- Farmhouse Ale - Saison
Ranked #798 - ABV:
- 4.8%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #22,356 - Avg:
- 3.76 | pDev: 13.3%
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- May 05, 2022
- Added:
- Feb 02, 2002
- Wants:
- 328
- Gots:
- 1,203
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
Naturally Cloudy Farmhouse Ale
** Although many call this beer a cream ale, according to Dan Carey they refer to it as a farmhouse ale at the brewery. **
As for what makes up Spotted Cow, it’s a blend of Pilsner malt, white wheat, and caramel malt. The water comes from a well on the brewery property and has a hard character to it. Hops are the finest Saaz he can get during selection each year in Europe, and it’s fermented with a German ale yeast.
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.
** Although many call this beer a cream ale, according to Dan Carey they refer to it as a farmhouse ale at the brewery. **
As for what makes up Spotted Cow, it’s a blend of Pilsner malt, white wheat, and caramel malt. The water comes from a well on the brewery property and has a hard character to it. Hops are the finest Saaz he can get during selection each year in Europe, and it’s fermented with a German ale yeast.
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.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
4.26 by Stofko1992 from Pennsylvania on May 05, 2022
3.75 by vol4life88 from Tennessee on Apr 21, 2022
3.84 by TakiMan42 on Apr 07, 2022
4.1 by jhargs37 on Mar 20, 2022
4.16 by wheelsnipecelly on Mar 10, 2022
4.5 by doctorgary from New York on Mar 07, 2022
3.73 by icemanexit from Indiana on Mar 05, 2022
3.77 by MatthewJW from Wisconsin on Mar 04, 2022
4.25 by illtexzona from Illinois on Feb 23, 2022
4.3 by natbro11 on Feb 20, 2022
4.13/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by cloeper from Texas
This Ale is very easy to drink and has a wonderful malty-nutty flavor.
Feb 19, 2022
look: 4.25 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
by cloeper from Texas
This Ale is very easy to drink and has a wonderful malty-nutty flavor.
Feb 19, 2022
4/5 rDev +6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BeerGeekExtraordinaire from Illinois
I rated this 4 because I rated it a 4 on Untappd (so sue me,ok). It's a good, crushable beer. The description says they leave some yeast in it. The one I just had has more rustic/barnyard funk to it than the others of this I have had I suppose becsuse of the bottle conditioning. I never really have thought of this as a farmhouse ale, even though that's what Dan Carey calls it. It's a good beer, but certainly NOT the best beer New Glarus does. My overall issue with this beer is that with as many good beers as New Glarus does do, this one is the most ubiquitous. It's EVERYWHERE in Wisconsin. There are more beers I would rather have from them if Spotted Cow wasn't taking up so much shelf space.
Feb 17, 2022
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
by BeerGeekExtraordinaire from Illinois
I rated this 4 because I rated it a 4 on Untappd (so sue me,ok). It's a good, crushable beer. The description says they leave some yeast in it. The one I just had has more rustic/barnyard funk to it than the others of this I have had I suppose becsuse of the bottle conditioning. I never really have thought of this as a farmhouse ale, even though that's what Dan Carey calls it. It's a good beer, but certainly NOT the best beer New Glarus does. My overall issue with this beer is that with as many good beers as New Glarus does do, this one is the most ubiquitous. It's EVERYWHERE in Wisconsin. There are more beers I would rather have from them if Spotted Cow wasn't taking up so much shelf space.
Feb 17, 2022
3.93 by BrScho2 on Jan 19, 2022
2.66/5 rDev -29.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by gvickery from Texas
Looks slightly cloudy light gold, medium loose white head.
Has an average aroma of malt and mineral water, No funk or barnyard you expect from saisons.
Tastes like a kolsch, slightly malt forward, very average beer. They state on the can that they use German ale yeast, not sure how they can expect it to magically turn into a saison.
It’s not bad tasting, just not anything resembling a farm house style ale.
Dec 30, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
by gvickery from Texas
Looks slightly cloudy light gold, medium loose white head.
Has an average aroma of malt and mineral water, No funk or barnyard you expect from saisons.
Tastes like a kolsch, slightly malt forward, very average beer. They state on the can that they use German ale yeast, not sure how they can expect it to magically turn into a saison.
It’s not bad tasting, just not anything resembling a farm house style ale.
Dec 30, 2021
4.07 by NYR-Zuuuuc from Connecticut on Dec 26, 2021
4.52 by PCJLizard on Dec 23, 2021
4.2 by JayWoldt on Nov 29, 2021
3 by Fettpopps from Massachusetts on Nov 25, 2021
3.6 by IrishMatt on Nov 12, 2021
3.48 by TP2MSU from Michigan on Oct 30, 2021
3.74 by Wisconsin_IPA_Lover from Wisconsin on Oct 30, 2021
4 by whatsgoody from Vermont on Oct 16, 2021
5 by bluesnino9 on Oct 02, 2021
3.92 by jcoleMA66 from Massachusetts on Sep 30, 2021
3.86 by Ssquare89 on Sep 29, 2021
1.9/5 rDev -49.5%
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
by PrinceAltoid from Illinois
Like many others have said, you wouldn’t know this was a saison if the bottle/can didn’t tell you. Rides heavily on its desirability by being Wisconsin only, but if this brew was nationally available it wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention. Not to say it’s a bad beer, just tastes very cheap and generic. Would say the best comparison would be a maltier version of Bud Light, and if that sounds like an insult, it’s because it is; such an insanely underwhelming brew. Hundreds, if not thousands, of better craft beers in Wisconsin, and especially at the price New Glarus wants for their mediocrity, this shouldn’t even be considered by anyone who doesn’t live in Wisconsin or isn’t there regularly. If you do though, and you like it, then why are you even here? You’ve obviously tried it before. But if you haven’t, and you’re only in Wisconsin for a short time and want to make the most of it, don’t waste your time with Spotted Cow.
Sep 26, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2
by PrinceAltoid from Illinois
Like many others have said, you wouldn’t know this was a saison if the bottle/can didn’t tell you. Rides heavily on its desirability by being Wisconsin only, but if this brew was nationally available it wouldn’t catch anyone’s attention. Not to say it’s a bad beer, just tastes very cheap and generic. Would say the best comparison would be a maltier version of Bud Light, and if that sounds like an insult, it’s because it is; such an insanely underwhelming brew. Hundreds, if not thousands, of better craft beers in Wisconsin, and especially at the price New Glarus wants for their mediocrity, this shouldn’t even be considered by anyone who doesn’t live in Wisconsin or isn’t there regularly. If you do though, and you like it, then why are you even here? You’ve obviously tried it before. But if you haven’t, and you’re only in Wisconsin for a short time and want to make the most of it, don’t waste your time with Spotted Cow.
Sep 26, 2021
3.59/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
Slightly murky, medium orange in the middle, to light yellow gold, at the edge of glass. Mild, malted yeast/grain aroma. Rather faint, very light toasted malt flavor, with only the slightest hint of floral hops. Quite thin and finishes like a mass produced domestic lager.
Sep 20, 2021
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.25
by Pivopijak from Washington
draught
Slightly murky, medium orange in the middle, to light yellow gold, at the edge of glass. Mild, malted yeast/grain aroma. Rather faint, very light toasted malt flavor, with only the slightest hint of floral hops. Quite thin and finishes like a mass produced domestic lager.
Sep 20, 2021
3.5 by blackcloud from Alaska on Sep 16, 2021
3.63 by rangerred from Tennessee on Sep 15, 2021
3.5 by MykeJ from Minnesota on Sep 09, 2021
4.31 by JustinTheJuice from Wisconsin on Aug 28, 2021
3.98 by Guinnsslvr from Illinois on Aug 15, 2021
4.36 by callmewalsh from Minnesota on Jul 31, 2021
4.19 by soarinsteven from Illinois on Jul 28, 2021
3.43/5 rDev -8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Hendo925
It’s a great “light beer”... it’s something worth grabbing for your summer cook-outs or sipping on your back porch... it’s “Wisconsin Only” makes it more desired than most Wisconsin want it... their are way better beers crafted in Wisconsin than this one.
Jul 25, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
by Hendo925
It’s a great “light beer”... it’s something worth grabbing for your summer cook-outs or sipping on your back porch... it’s “Wisconsin Only” makes it more desired than most Wisconsin want it... their are way better beers crafted in Wisconsin than this one.
Jul 25, 2021
3.75 by o29 from Texas on Jul 24, 2021
3.99/5 rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
On draft in WI and from 12oz bottles poured into a 16oz pint glass.
L: Pours a lightly hazed pale gold with a thickly centered fluffy white head. There is some lacing on the glass and it has medium low carbonation.
S: Wild flowers, sweet bread malt, honey, grains.
T: Light grain, grass, bread, malt. Subtle sour notes, yeast, red apple peel, banana, dried peach and apricot.
F: Lightly crisp, clean, light-bodied mouthfeel that has a very smooth texture and a fast, clean finish but is non-drying. Nothing lingers.
O: This Farmhouse Ale has an exquisite balance of sweet/tart/sour/malt/yeast and drinks easily. It is positively quenching and has a "natural" kind of feel in it's overall profile. It is excellent.
Jul 23, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
by LesDewitt4beer from Minnesota
On draft in WI and from 12oz bottles poured into a 16oz pint glass.
L: Pours a lightly hazed pale gold with a thickly centered fluffy white head. There is some lacing on the glass and it has medium low carbonation.
S: Wild flowers, sweet bread malt, honey, grains.
T: Light grain, grass, bread, malt. Subtle sour notes, yeast, red apple peel, banana, dried peach and apricot.
F: Lightly crisp, clean, light-bodied mouthfeel that has a very smooth texture and a fast, clean finish but is non-drying. Nothing lingers.
O: This Farmhouse Ale has an exquisite balance of sweet/tart/sour/malt/yeast and drinks easily. It is positively quenching and has a "natural" kind of feel in it's overall profile. It is excellent.
Jul 23, 2021
3.85 by gardner254 from Ohio on Jul 17, 2021
3.71/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by akaizer from Virginia
From a can. Pour has a slight off-white foam head that lingers even as it dissolves down. Body has a pale golden color with just a touch of haze present. Scent is a touch on the sour side, but not sour in the way a sour ale is but more so like a bit of cream or yogurt that lacks flavoring. Taste comes across as a more interesting form of lighter beers with some yeasty sensations bouncing on the tongue providing a bit of depth. The feel is on the creamy side, so not crisp/refreshing as a light beer would would again providing needed depth to make this an interesting offering. Never boring but never quite thrilling either; a solid offering to enjoy for all times.
Jul 12, 2021
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
by akaizer from Virginia
From a can. Pour has a slight off-white foam head that lingers even as it dissolves down. Body has a pale golden color with just a touch of haze present. Scent is a touch on the sour side, but not sour in the way a sour ale is but more so like a bit of cream or yogurt that lacks flavoring. Taste comes across as a more interesting form of lighter beers with some yeasty sensations bouncing on the tongue providing a bit of depth. The feel is on the creamy side, so not crisp/refreshing as a light beer would would again providing needed depth to make this an interesting offering. Never boring but never quite thrilling either; a solid offering to enjoy for all times.
Jul 12, 2021
2.83/5 rDev -24.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.75
by Beech105 from Missouri
I love farmhouse ales. And was looking forward to thus one. But after smelling it and tasting it, I had to look at the can to verify it was actually a farmhouse ale. Very subtle taste and smell. Good beer, but not as a saison.
Jul 10, 2021
look: 3.25 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 2.75
by Beech105 from Missouri
I love farmhouse ales. And was looking forward to thus one. But after smelling it and tasting it, I had to look at the can to verify it was actually a farmhouse ale. Very subtle taste and smell. Good beer, but not as a saison.
Jul 10, 2021
Spotted Cow from New Glarus Brewing Company
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
3960 ratings