Arabicadabra is a Milk Stout brewed by Bell’s Brewery, Inc., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a shaker pint glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The ale pours an opaque mahogany hue and is topped by an inch-thick cap of dense tan-colored foam that shows good retention. Patches of residue coat the sides of the glass following the reduction.
Aroma
Freshly ground coffee roast is front and center on the nose. Hints of vanilla and chocolate appear in the background.
Flavor
Robust and roasty, the coffee flavor permeates the entirety of the tasting. Milder at first and transitioning to a stronger bitterness that lingers past the finish. A hint of lactose undercuts the bite and the middle is punched by a sweetness of dark chocolate. That bitter roast and sweet flavors produce a tangy mix.
Mouthfeel
Its body has a nice density being medium-full. It’s relatively smooth—almost creamy in the middle—with a light grain on the backend. Moderate carbonation.
Overall
Arabicadabra is definitely a brew for coffee lovers. Its aroma is lovely and its palate is solid. The tanginess that appears in the finish is a bit odd. Otherwise, this is a fantastic stout. Lots of flavor for a relatively low ABV. Easily quaffed.
Video on the Brewing Process
Want to know more about how Bell’s produced their Arabicadabra Milk Stout? Check out this video from the brewery: