Tuesday Tasting: Wake Up Call Imperial Coffee Porter

The process of making coffee bares a striking resemblance to that of brewing beer.  Coffee berries are harvested, the beans are removed and roasted, they are ground, and then steeped in hot water.  Likewise, the flavor profile of coffee is similar to beer styles that use dark roasted barley.  With the popularity of coffee and craft beer on the rise and with complimentary aromas and tastes, it is only natural that beer and coffee be united in one drink.

Grand Teton’s Wake Up Call Imperial Coffee Porter uses over a pound of premium Espresso beans per barrel.  The beans impart the caramel, dark chocolate, and roasted nut flavors of a good coffee. 

Appearance
Jet black beer pours heavy from the bottle.  A finger and a half of brown head forms sits atop the liquid.  Ample amounts of thick lacing are left clinging to the glass.

Aroma
As expected strong notes of coffee dominate the nose.  The aromas of roasted malt float in the background and include caramel, raw cacao, and toffee.  Very rich and full smelling; incredibly inviting. 

Taste
No big surprises here.  The coffee is the star taking center stage like 1992 Whitney Houston.  Dark chocolate, roasted nuts, and caramel mingle with the robust coffee flavor.  Finish includes burnt toast.  Bitterness comes predominately from the coffee and roasted malt although there are faint hop notes.

Mouthfeel
The beer is medium bodied bordering on full bodied.  Carbonating is medium.  Silky in the mouth and smooth going down. 

Drinkability
Coffee is strong without being overpowering allowing the complexities of the dark malt to shine through.  Whether you’re a coffee lover who likes beer or a beer lover who likes coffee, this one will please everyone.  We can’t recommend popping this bottle in lieu of your morning java.  Best to resist the temptation and wait until happy hour.  Overall grade for Grand Teton Brewing’s Wake Up Call Imperial Coffee Porter: A-