Something about coffee and beer works so well that there seems to be a never-ending supply of new brew-bean combinations to try. It’s been two years since I’ve touched on the subject, so I felt it was time for a revamp. Between all the creativity that things like Portland’s Northwest Coffee Beer Invitational and Seattle’s Coffee Beer Fest foment, there are some great new options out there, and I got to thinking about them a couple weeks ago when I looked into beer-based recipes that are even better with coffee beer. Below are five new recommendations—and still, there are so many more out there. Keep your eyes peeled!
Island Hoppin Brewery Camano Island Coffee Porter: This robust porter washes over the palate in waves of earthy, dark chocolate goodness. The coffee comes from Camano Island Coffee Roasters just a few islands south, and proceeds go to Brews for Books. Eastsound, WA
No-Li Brewhouse Rise & Grind: This coffee ale brings in plenty of Spokane-roasted Gemelli Coffee to give it its toasty, chocolaty flavors. According to the eastern Washington brewery, it is “brewed for those of us who roll up our sleeves, and grind out the day.” Spokane, WA
Fort George Brewery Java the Hop Coffee IPA: Fort George is known for big, bold beers, and this offering from the Astoria, Oregon-based brewery is no exception. Packed chock-full of hops, the coffee notes you’ll taste in there are from Portland’s Coava Coffee Roasters. Astoria, OR
Two Beers Brewing Cold Brew Coffee Brown Ale: This SoDo brewery brings SoDo coffee beans into the mix—18 pounds of course-ground beans per batch, to be specific, plus a touch of brown sugar. The coffee is roasted by next door at Fulcrum Coffee, and results in a rich, smooth ale that’s darker than a standard brown ale but lighter than a porter or stout. Seattle
Canuck Empire Brewing Creekside Coffee Stout: Dark yet drinkable, Canuck Empire’s winter seasonal coffee stout, returning soon, is packed with beans from Clearbrook Coffee Company, roasted in nearby Abbotsford, BC. Aldergrove, BC
