Urban Queen
Crowns & Hops Brewing Co.

Wish it was fresher. Canned on 1/24/21, and here we are 6 months later. I even sent a message to the brewery about my concern in buying an old 4 pack and they assured me through “brewing lingo” that it was still “solid.” Ok, so like a redwood chopped down for toilet paper, is it that solid?

Umm, yeah. REALLY wishing it was fresh. This one is like Kate Moss after a few years of H and cigarettes for breakfast; I mean, it’s still Kate, but it’s not prime Kate, ya feel me? Everything screams goodness, but the coffee is almost undetectable. I bet this is a really good beer when fresh.

Ok, I’m outta here.

*Wow. This one is opening up as it warms. It’s just getting better.

16oz canned on 01/24/2021. Imperial Stout brewed with Red Bay King's Prize Ethiopian coffee. 10% ABV. Purchased at Whole Foods in Venice, California.

Rich, dark brown with a creamy, light brown colored lace. Deep roastiness in the nose with chocolate and vanilla. Lucious on the palate. Super smooth, creamy, and lighter than I expected (and I like it). Lots of layers. Dark chocolate, roasty, toasty, coffee, caramel, malted milk, marshmallow, vanilla. Sweet, malty, near syrupy, but not quite and not overdone. Suggestions of blueberries. Slightly bitter with a light astringency. Some spice and heat emerges as the beer warms, but it's subtle. A bit smokey in the finish.

Urban Queen is a delicious coffee-infused Imperial Stout. That 10% is very well-hidden too. You might find yourself wanting more, like I did. Wishing I had bought another 4-pack now too.

Poured dark brown with minimal carbonation. The aroma of coffee is very pleasant. In the mouth the feeling quickly fades to very thin mouthfeel and bitter notes. No reprieve on the finish which retains the lingering bitterness. Not bad, but needs more emphasis on coffee. From a 4-pk. Will revisit this review if it improves.