I must admit I am a newbie when it comes to Cream Ales. The first time I heard of the style name, I was thinking it must be a lactose-based ale. In reality there is no cream, but the style came about in the mid 1800’s in the United States. The idea was to make an ale that drinks like a lager. Cold fermented and light body is the goal of the style. To me it reminds me of a Kolsch but lighter.
When Code Beer Co created a Coffee Cream Ale, I was all in! Not overpowering in aroma or flavor but well balanced with the Sumatra coffee that Code Beer uses. The coffee comes from The Mill Coffee & Tea in Lincoln, Nebraska. Another ingredient that adds to the light body of this beer is some flaked corn.
What I enjoyed about this beer, is the coffee forward flavor then you get light saltiness in the middle and a little sweetness in the end. The mouth feel is soft. So much flavor in this very easy drinking beer that comes in at 5.5% ABV!
As a native Nebraskan, I enjoy the fact also that Code Beer’s Cream Ales are made with hops and grains from Nebraska! My introduction to Cream Ales has been very enjoyable and look forward to trying them more often. Thanks Code Beer for making the introduction.
Cheers!