Here’s a beer from my favorite gypsy brewer, Mikkeller. Every time I see one of their beers at the market, I have to grab it. Not only is every one of their beers that I’ve tried excellent, but they’re always unique. Plus it brings back memories of visiting the Mikkeller Bar in Copenhagen Denmark. Those were good times……

Anyway, this is an IPA, brewed with coffee apparently, and it has an ABV of 6.9%

Appearance 5/5

Golden orange-red like the color of honey. ANd hazy, very hazy. Almost opaque. The cream colored head poured about two fingers thick and I was surprised to see that it didn’t go away at all until I was done with the beer.

Aroma 5/5

A great contrast between the citrus and the coffee aromas. It’s almost like the two smells cannot be registered at the same time so your brain jumps back and forth between the two as it tries to figure out what you’re currently holding up to your face. The change is subtle though. Certain notes that I was sure were related to the citrus hops changed into coffee without my noticing…or was that coffee all along? I could sniff this all day but at some point I’m going to have to taste it.

Palate 5/5

Again, it changes as you sip. It starts off very “round” and full and soft. But you’ll quickly notice that familiar IPA tingle start to form on your tongue and the roof of your mouth. It finishes dry after swallowing but just enough to make me want more.

Flavor 4/5

It’s a solid IPA, even without the coffee thing. And actually it shows up more on the nose than it does here. The flavor isn’t noticeably that of coffee like the aroma is, but it changes the bitter characteristics just enough that you know you’re not drinking a normal IPA.

Overall 19/20

I used the word “subtle” a lot in this review. That’s the most apt word for each of the categories that I could come up with. It’s very unique but very downplayed. I’m glad I got a big bomber of this because I want to sit and study this brew for a while. If you like IPA’s, and even if you don’t like the usual coffee flavored beers, get your hands on this if you can. It’s pretty excellent.

Sip slowly and enjoy in good company.