Coffee Bender is an American Brown Ale by Surly Brewing Co., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a can.
Appearance
Pours a cola brown with an inch-thick head of cream-colored foam that recedes slowly. A soapy ring of residue coats the collar of the glass.
Aroma
As expected from the beer’s name, coffee roast dominates a nose backed softly by sweet notes of caramel and toffee.
Flavor
Coffee is the hero of this brew and its roast character is blended with flavors of grapefruit, nut, and cinnamon. A malty base of oatmeal ties the palate together. Finishes dryly with a balance of gentle floral hops and a lingering coffee roast.
Mouthfeel
Oats lend to a silky-smooth mouthfeel with a medium body and moderate carbonation.
Overall
Coffee flavor is integrated nicely with what is an otherwise a standard brown ale. The Coffee Bender is well crafted, thoroughly enjoyable, and very much worth trying.