Coffee – Craft Beer Explorer

Old World Brewery (Phoenix, AZ.)

“Old World Ways… Old World Taste…”

Do you like dark, robust and complex ales with a touch of evil? Then Old World Brewery’s Dark Knight Porter will be right up your alley. Dark Knight is brewed in the style of English Robust Porter tradition. Bountiful amounts of dark malts were used to create smooth coffee and chocolate flavors. Earthy and somewhat woody aromas linger in the deepest chasms of the hop presence with a subtle bitterness that lurks within the shadows of the malty aftertaste. Unfortunately, the bottle I grabbed must have been dropped by a weaker man that could not handle this much darkness, as there was some overflow residue around the cap, which I did not notice at the time of purchase, leaving this ale flat without any carbonation. Without carbonation, it leaves a mouthfeel similar to that of a dark red wine, very slick on the tongue. Luckily the flavor is still in tact. Finishing off slightly sweet and incredibly smooth at 6.8% alc., this is a substantial foe to the allies of wimpy yellow beers.

Dark Knight Porter stands tall when facing it’s enemies and should be drank with the utmost respect, as it might take your head as a prize if you challenge it. Old World Brewery stands behind old world brewing traditions, churning out high quality ales that are as unique as they are delicious. I will definitely have to grab another bottle of this and see how much the flavor differs when carbonated. Overall, I still greatly enjoyed this beastly porter and think you will too. Bow down to the Dark Knight… Cheers!

Old World Brewery

334 North 25th Ave.

Phoenix, AZ. 85009

http://www.oldworldbrewery.com

https://www.facebook.com/oldworldaz

Coronado Brewing Co. (Coronado, CA.)

Have you ever woken up, groggy and feeling under rested? Have you ever had that stale cup of coffee that didn’t seem to quite put the pep in your step? I know I have. This is one beverage that I would leap out of bed for every morning if I was given the opportunity.

This Blue Bridge Coffee Stout definitely gave me a devilish smirk as I poured this inky black concoction into my glass. Rich, dark and oily with an evenly laid cappuccino colored head followed by incredible aromas of dark roasted espresso and subtle mocha which illuminated every fiber of my being. The coffee used in this brew is not your dad’s cup of Folger’s and it sure as hell isn’t one of your mom’s fancy triple shot “unpronounceable named” latte’s from some big coffee conglomerate out of Seattle. They get their coffee beans from a local, artisanal roaster in San Diego named Cafe Moto and it is mighty tasty.

With every sip, you are greeted with roasted coffee that quickly turns into a smooth, round and dry malt base. Underlying notes of mocha, dark nuts, oily licorice and a touch of sweetness similar to turbinado sugar. The finish cascades into earthy hop bittnerness with touches of herbal spice and mild pipe tobacco. A very round body with a silky mouthfeel and filling thickness that would leave you nourished enough to take on the day and what lies ahead.

I only wish I could start every day with this instead of the regular old Cup of Joe, and at only 5.4% alc. this is just above sessionable beer levels. So if you were to sneak a pint or two before work, your boss probably wouldn’t even have a clue. I give big props to Coronado Brewing Co. for this Blue Bridge Coffee Stout. An amazing ale with great artisanal qualities that only a true beer snob can enjoy. Cheers!