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If brewers can create something magical with malt and roasters can find fabulous flavors in a bean, then just imagine what the combination can do. Thankfully, in California, we don’t have to wishful thinking. We have many great examples of coffee beers. Here are 10 caffeine-charged California coffee beers to jump-start your day.
6. Eagle Rock Brewery Stimulus featuring coffee from Intelligentsia Coffee
At last year’s Uppers & Downers coffee beer event at Intelligentsia Pasadena, this was my clear winner of the night. The mix of a Belgian amber style with the coffee is some out-of-the-box thinking that works.
7. Golden Road Brewing Mildly Handsome featuring coffee from Handsome Coffee Roasters
You might think that the roast from DTLA’s Handsome would overwhelm a British mild, but you would be wrong. This is yet another example of the coffee/beer balancing act. Now if we could just get it in cans.
8. Pizza Port Brewing Bacon & Eggs featuring coffee from Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
One of the best beer names ever (not just for coffee beers) comes from the ever inventive San Diego County mini-empire. Maybe we can get this in cans too since they have a new canning line in Bressi Ranch.
9. Ballast Point Brewing Victory At Sea Coffee Vanilla Imperial Porter featuring coffee from Caffe Calabria
You want more of a latte type of coffee beer? Look no further than this big 10% ABV beer from San Diego. You will get caramel, vanilla and roast notes from this one.
10. Beachwood Brewing System of a Stout featuring coffee from Portola Coffee
This is a big bruiser of a beer that not only has some outstanding Armenian coffee in it, but also boasts some powerful notes of cardamom, molasses and brandy.
Find more of Sean Inman’s writing on his blog, Beer Search Party.
Blog Comments
Sean Inman
March 21, 2014 at 5:13 PM
Just had it again after an absence. The Greyhound in Highland Park had it on tap. It’s good and strong and would be in the top 15.
Timo
March 21, 2014 at 12:36 PM
Black’s Dawn is #2 for me after smog city. Saint Archer Coffee Brown is decent too.
Jenny Novak
March 21, 2014 at 11:25 AM
Great article, Sean! I love coffee beers. I’m adding that Bacon and Eggs to my beer wish list for sure. Sounds awesome! Cheers
Leah
March 21, 2014 at 8:58 AM
Have you tried Cismontane Black’s Dawn?