Cowboy Coffee Pale Stout
Tractor Brewing Co.

 

i really loved this one, served on nitro, and expertly done in that regard, a long slow patient frothing cascade resulting in over an inch of dark tan creamy head, so sexy to dip into this. the coffee is beautiful too, not overly roasted and bitter, which is nice in the lighter roasted beer itself, where the grain doesnt get as dark and intense as it usually does in the style. they call it a pale stout, and that is what it is, not insanely dark in color with a little redness to it rather than black and with a decidedly lighter grain composition. i think its perfect for the coffee, which has some dried fruitiness to it, cherries and raisins and dates, but also less of the overt bitterness it normally does, i think an all in all really unique and approachable take on the style, and i like the way the coffee is front and center in a new context. nuances of hazelnut, vanilla, maple, and cocoa, there is great complexity. its like the deepest darkest most intense layer is peeled off of the stout and the result is super unique. i also think the nitro is perfect for this, its soft and silky and inviting, and the texture is perfect for these flavors. this is a one of a kind, definitely one of the best beers i had on my albuquerque brewery journey! some series caffeine to this too...