Central Coast Chai Cream Ale

Brewed by Central Coast Brewing
Style: Spice/Herb/Vegetable
San Luis Obispo, California USA

2008 A very big thanks goes out to cquiroga for this big bomber from californ-eye-aye. Large bottle that bursts with a lava like opening cerimony. Smells quite like yeast. Has an almost hefe olfactory. Beautiful rolling carbonation in the glass. Quite bitter impressions for a blonde. Big rocky alabaster head. Never stops foaming in my big mug. Enjoyable fizz on the palate. Taste is like many east end brews I’ve had, must use the same yeast. Malty bitter bite continues to grow on the back and top of my mouth. Hazy like an orangish hefe in appearance. The personality of this brew is somewhat reminiscent of unrefined belgie dubbels I’ve encountered. Strongish in the alky taste department. On the finish, it is quite interesting. Getting a buzz near the end of the session.

Bottle; 2007 variety. Didn’t even remember buying this one. Poured a nice gold color with a large, frothy, white head. Aroma was dominated by a nice blend of spice with some earthy and herbal tones. Hint of funk-like sourness. Spice/herbal flavor was a bit grating and tough to drink at the beginning. Very medicinal, but not to the point of being nasty. Although strange it was pretty drinkable for the style after a few sips. One dimensionable. Ok to good for the style.

Bottle from bottle barn. Dark yellow with fizzy head. Sweet milky chai taste. Not much else going on.

22oz bottle, no date other than the 2008 on the bottle. Clear amber with a 2 1/2 finger off-white head, good retention--though it should be noted that it is a gusher. Aroma is actually Bretty with a bit of leather and tangy pineapple, and some herbal and ginger notes and a hint of burnt plastic. Is this supposed to be smelling like this? As this warmed, the ginger opened up. Flavor becomes more herbal with some nutmeg. Dirt finish (not earth), and peaked at a 3-4. Overcarbonated with a watery body. i don’t think the brett was intentional, but actually made the beer seem good--until the flavor, anyway. Purchased @ Bottle Barn for $4.99 too much.

Looked interesting, so thought I’d give it a try. The body is nice. Perfectly carbonated and holds a nice head. The flavor leaves a lot to be desired. Sharp and a bit of a bitter finish. Worth trying once.

Bottle bought out of curiousity. Very big light porous head. A fair amoont of stuff laying loosly on the bottom of the bottle. Not sure at first if it is yeast or speces. Hazy dark amber beer. Aroma seems more herbal than tea, slightly sour. Sharp strong taste. Herbal in the finish but pepper and lime up front. I could see this being poured out if there were lots of beers being sampled. Not a lot to it. body is a bit thin. Very citrusy and lite tea with lots of pepper or corriander.

Bottle: Dark caramel color with crimson edges, explosive beige head with adequate lacing. Nose of clove, light yeast and spices, some up front citrusy hop and coriander notes as well. The flavor is balanced, moderately acidic with a grassy citrusy tail. Floral tail, lacking the trademark chai spices such as clove or cardomom. Seems just like a novelty beer to me.

22oz bottle. 2007 vintage. Poured a medium and hazy golden color with a huge sized white head. Aromas of chai tea and lots of spices (cinnamon, ginger, and lots more). Tastes of basically the same. This one definitely has tea in it. Has a light tart finish. Definitely interesting and I kinda like it.