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.

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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.