Coffee Bender - Surly Brewing Company

landhoney

Florida

3.55/5  rDev -15.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This was an odd beer for me that reminded me of a homebrew brown ale I added coffee to just to see which process for adding the coffee worked best. This beer was very drinkable, but the coffee and beer did not seem to meld together. You tasted the coffee and then the brown ale, as opposed to some of the better coffee stouts where the flavors blend in together and you get a more cohesive flavor profile. Carbonation and mouthfeel were good, nice and dry and drinkable as well with good body for the style. The nose was coffee, slight roastiness/toasty grains, and no hop aroma. Overall I would like to try this one again, maybe then I'll 'get it'.

Serving type: can

05-31-2011 21:19:56 | More by landhoney

SpoonMeForkMe

Illinois

4.93/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Very deep amber. Beautiful off white head which dwindles down to soft, bubbly layer of the same color just covering the top of the beer.

S: Coffee obviously, fresh ground coffee to be specific. Caramel, malts, dark chocolate, brown sugar.

T: Correlates verbatim to the smell. Little bit of yeasty, banana type taste at the start. On the nose I was a bit curious if they had used a high grade coffee but on the palate it becomes obvious, they did. Smooth front with a perfectly balanced bitter finish to be expected from coffee. I swear it but call me crazy, on the very last drink I got a quick taste of lemon zest.

M: No complaints here. Creamy. Medium to light body.

O: Someone below me said it best “I fucking love this beer” “Very sessionable”. This is a brew I could easily enjoy on a daily basis all winter long. Surly truly did a stellar job with this one and I pray they duplicate it well next year.

Serving type: can

12-07-2011 02:35:22 | More by SpoonMeForkMe

runner440

Maryland

4.75/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Big thanks to Stu for hooking me up with this beer. This is a pretty awesome coffee beer. Definitely the best coffee beer I have ever had. The aroma smells like iced coffee with small hints of chocolate. The beer starts with a nice coffee burst and bitterness at the front of the mouth followed by some sweet milk chocolate notes and more coffee at the middle of the mouth. The finish is very smooth with a big coffee like aftertaste. Very drinkable also. I'd rather have this beer than my morning coffee every day!

Serving type: can

12-23-2011 02:00:36 | More by runner440

Tizzod

Minnesota

4.83/5  rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours out of the growler beautifully, very dark with a nice brown head. The smell is one that I will dream of - fresh roasted coffee and malty beer goodness. I couldn't stop smelling the empty growler after the beer was all gone. Really spectacular.
The first sip was an intense coffee flavor mixed beautifully with the beer. Coffee flavor was very predominant but didn't get in the way of the malt taste of the Bender. Beautiful mouthfeel, smooth and creamy.
One of the best beers I've ever had the privilege of drinking. The friends who shared the growler with were also very impressed and the beer went faster than I thought. For such a flavorful beer it was extremely drinkable. In fact I wish I was drinking it right now.

Serving type: growler

02-02-2007 04:04:28 | More by Tizzod

CMitchell

Ohio

3.93/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served in a Jar. . .yes a jar.

A: Color was lighter than I expected, but nice, like a cup of coffee.

S: nice gentle notes of coffee, perhaps some chocolate in there.

T&M: Taste is pleasant, with coffee, roasted malt, slight vanilla. It's much thinner than it looks, but not in a bad way. . . .

D: Quite drinkable. Would love to drink this with a slice of good cheesecake. . .excellent job.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2009 01:51:55 | More by CMitchell

bengore

Illinois

3.35/5  rDev -20%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a rather dark brown with a big foamy head that sticks around for quite a bit leaving minimal legs on the glass.

S: Nothing in particular stands out to me, sure you can smell the coffee but there is nothing quite exciting about it.

T: Initial taste is extremely reminiscent of a sip of iced coffee. Flows into a malty goodness with some chocolate notes

M: Very light, easy to drink.

O: A pretty decent brown ale, but overall I'm not sure it deserves the high rating it holds here on BA. Perhaps I need to spend a little more time with this one, but I am not in love with it.

Serving type: can

10-31-2012 02:13:20 | More by bengore

masterchiefMD

Maryland

4.35/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Been trying alot of beers but have yet to rate one...so here it goes
Got in trade with tytoanderso big thanks!

poured very dark brown with minimal head. Strong smell of coffee!!! Taste is wonderful, strong coffee taste with roasted malts. Perfect carbonation is very light from look expected a little more thickness to it. I could sit down and drink a couple of these, very smooth!

Serving type: can

02-01-2009 01:41:18 | More by masterchiefMD

aaronhanson

Minnesota

4.75/5  rDev +13.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I love it. I've had two cans and my mouth wants more. There are actually a few coffee grounds in the bottom of my glass.

The coffee is very pronounced, in a good way. I didn't expect to like it this much. It's very dark, and has a healthy amount of foam when you pour it, but it goes away quickly.

Serving type: can

02-26-2009 05:01:15 | More by aaronhanson

scanny79

Minnesota

5/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

A: Appearance is a very nice dark brown with some visible light through it, but not a lot. A very nice tan foam head to it.

S: Smells like a nice mild cup of coffee. Not overpowering smell of coffee, but enough to really make you want to taste it.

T: Subtle coffee taste to it, but perfect amount for the beer. Not a huge coffee aftertaste to it whatsoever.

M: Very smooth beer, with a nice dark beer feel to it.

D: Very redrinkable. I bought a 4 pack of it and I guarantee it won't be the last 4 pack I buy of it. The first one tasted like more. One of the best dark beers I have ever had.

Serving type: can

12-25-2010 09:20:14 | More by scanny79

dcgrp

Minnesota

4.08/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Picked up two 4 packs of cans while in the twin cities. I absolutely love the idea of coffee in a brown ale (well kind of a hybrid brown ale in this case). I love the bender as a go to beer for all around drinking.

I like the interplay between coffee and maltiness, but I think it could be better. I'm guessing that mixing coffee and beer is just difficult to get perfect, but given Surly's dedication to making great beer, I'm sure they will keep improving.

Serving type: can

02-13-2009 02:41:43 | More by dcgrp

manzilla86

Minnesota

4.13/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Tasted 2-12-11 from a can into a pint glass.
Brew on date 12-10-10

A: Super foamy thick head 3 fingers thick with great retention. Really brown that illuminates a dark ruby red when held up to a light.

S: Citrusy hop aroma with hints of chocolate. I really don't notice the coffee aroma, which is pretty surprising considering the name of the beer.

T: Great tasting beer that's hoppy almost like a mild IPA. For some reason I am getting the chocolate hints again but no coffee taste. After 3-4 drinks I am beginning to pick up on the coffee taste. Weird. Don't know how I didn't notice it before.

M: Solid full mouthfeel. Feels full in your mouth and has a lingering coffee-like bitterness.

D: I was expecting a taste like, "Hey, would you like some beer with your coffee?" But instead got, "Hey, is there a little bit of coffee in my beer?" Despite not being what I had expected, it is extremely drinkable and very, very delicious.

Other brews might fulfill your coffee-mocha-chocolate longings better, but this is one great beer. It is a Surly, so I guess you expect that.

Serving type: can

02-13-2011 00:15:00 | More by manzilla86

heyta

Georgia

3.85/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A -- This beer pours with a great big white head, but as it subsides it leaves pockets of white floating on the surface that look remarkably like mold -- not very inviting.

S - Smells like folgers instant coffee with a slight sour cherry note in the background.

T - Tastes as it smells. I like the coffee taste even if it tastes like a below average coffee, it's refreshing to find it in something other than a stout.

M - Nothing really special here, but the carbonation is good for this style.

O - I would drink it again. For the price and the alcohol content, it's a tasty beer to not get blasted off of.

Serving type: can

05-04-2011 13:33:40 | More by heyta

cdflem

North Carolina

4.93/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

This is my first review, so bear with me.

Had this beauty on-tap (pint-glass) at Hopleaf in Chicago.

A: Dark brown with deep amber/auburn tints. Slight tan head with a little bit of foaminess (almost nitrogen smooth head).

S: Absolutely amazing. Like a cup of good coffee, but not overwhelming. Sometime got a strong roasted malt flavor, which balanced nicely with the coffee.

T/MF: First notice the coffee flavor, but it backs off fast to remind you that you are drinking a beer. Ends with a bit of hoppiness that works well. Very smooth.

D: I could have this all day long, which was unexpected from a coffee-style beer. Absolutely another great Beer from Surly.

Serving type: on-tap

09-19-2008 15:36:34 | More by cdflem

NuBrewm

Minnesota

4.68/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I had this one on tap at darkness day and now recently in a can. Figured I would rate this beer now that I had it canned since on darkness day I had a ton of different beers.

A: Nice Medium-Dark brown body, with a subtle tan head. Could have just poured it into a coffee mug and thought nothing of it.

S: Prominent coffee smell, roasted, but not of old roasted coffee. This smells fresh and not like some of the coffee ground beers I have tasted. The aroma is amazing!

T: The coffee flavor is at the tip of your tongue and then the bender smooth flavor takes over. Very balanced.

M: Medium bodied, enough to swish the palate with every sip.

D: Pretty damn drinkable considering how much coffee I drink. Low ABV and plenty of coffee smoothness to keep enjoying. yeah this beer is very refreshing and I wish it came in 6 paks.

Serving type: can

01-27-2009 14:15:01 | More by NuBrewm

Grafter

Kentucky

4/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a goblet

Appearance is a dark brown with a small tan head that forms on top

Smell is very much of coffee beans a malt just like promised

Taste is where this really pens up the malty sweetness of the brown ale almost acts as sugar for the coffee balancing to a very nice beer the coffee flavor is very dominant but not quite overpowering

Mouthfeel is good medium body and carbonation fits well with the style of the beer

Drinkablity is high if you like coffee for me the strong coffee flavor will wear me down a little but this is still a nice drinkable beer.

I really enjoyed this, and is I every turn into a raging alcoholic and need to start my morning off right this is definitely the beer I would go to.

Serving type: can

04-25-2009 23:58:38 | More by Grafter

bangelos80

New York

4.7/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured from a can into a pint glass.

A- Poured a nice dark brown color with about an inch word of head. Nice retention as well as lacing.

S- From the initial crack of the can all the way through the consumption of this beer, you pick up the aroma of coffee beans. It's awesome

T- Taste of coffee dominates this beer. A mild sweetness at the end but predominately coffee beans.

M- Light bodied mouthfeel with mild carbonation. Goes down smooth like a taking a sip of coffee.

O- Never had a brew that can rival an actual cup of coffee. I can probably put this in a coffee mug and drink it all day at work!! Great brew, would defintely have it again and again and again!

Serving type: can

10-27-2011 22:02:48 | More by bangelos80

alaskajoe

Alaska

4.35/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured out of the tall can into a standard pint glass.

Heavy smell of coffee here, reminds me of a few of the local Midnight Sun coffee brews. MSBC Brewtality has sort of ruined me for other coffee beers, but this one pours up nicely. Tastes of strong dark black coffee. I don't get much of a heavy beer taste - the alcohol is very underlying for me, and it smacks more of an iced coffee drink without any kind of cream or milk. Goes down very smooth, and as one who really likes coffee beers, and big brews, this one is a good addition to my regular quaff list. I'll be trying this one again for sure!

Serving type: can

09-17-2009 06:59:27 | More by alaskajoe

AApparel

California

4.28/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours two fingers of a light colored foamy cream colored head on top of a dark soda with slight caramel red hints. Head settles into a half finger, leaving slight lacing.

Smell: Plenty of caramel aroma, with a full vanilla and coffee body. The aroma is a carbonated with a very sugarier smell. Almost that of a coffee cola smell. 

Taste: Plenty of fresh brewed dark coffee, over a classic brown ale flavor. A roasty nuttiness with hints of coco and some slight fruity, earthy hops. Though the hops are not a strong. Coffee up front, with malty middle, and a brown ale hoppy finish. Not as sweet as the smell makes you think. Definitely a well rounded taste. 

Mouthfeel: Has a great mouthfeel and drinkability. Decent carbonation level and very smooth. Lighter bodied than you would expect, especially since it has such a big coffee flavor to it. Bitter finish on the end. Very good beer, a must for any coffee lover or coffee brown ale fan.

Serving type: can

01-11-2012 23:13:25 | More by AApparel

leinie13

Ohio

4.4/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours dark brown with a fluffy, light chocolate head with pretty good retention.

S - Pleasant ground coffee aroma. Not detecting too much else.

T - The taste is pretty straight forward as well. Upfront, I'm hit with the ground coffee. From a non-coffee drinker, it's not unpleasant (quite the opposite in fact). Once the coffee flavors fade, I then get faint toasty maltiness.

M - Moderate carbonation and body. Very smooth from start to finish.

O - One of my favorite brown ales. The cold steeped ground coffee works to great effect. The coffee flavors are not overpowering, creating a brew that's really smooth from start to finish.

Serving type: can

05-14-2012 01:29:23 | More by leinie13

kdesch

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had no idea what to expect with this beer. I've had some monster stouts with coffee before, but nothing like this. I was very impressed.

Points of note:

- The mouthfeel: wonderfully thick.
- Smell: nice iced coffee
- Taste: a really nice combination of beer and coffee

Glad I had this beer. I would not drink it all night long, but it was a great way to start the night.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2008 02:17:53 | More by kdesch

kingsizedave

Minnesota

4.68/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I am not a fan of coffee but this beer introduced me to the wonderful world of coffee beers. I have continued to enjoy this beer for it's full coffee aroma and smooth taste. I enjoy the chocolate taste and the way the flavor sticks to the back of your tongue.
I would encourage anyone who has a fascination with flavored coffees to try this beer.
Beer may come from a can but you must absolutely drink it in a glass...

Serving type: can

04-13-2009 13:14:09 | More by kingsizedave

digitalketchup

Minnesota

4.53/5  rDev +8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Poured from a 16oz can into a pint glass.

Appearance - 3 toothpicks of head vanished into a thin brim inside the glass. Thick and brown throughout. Little lacing.

Smell - Similar to what the inside of a Starbucks smells like. Rich coffee smells

Taste - I can taste the darker ale underneath the coffee notes. Very refreshing and inviting brew. It's not as bitter as I expected. It's sugary sweet, rich, and down-to-earth!

Mouthfeel - Thin carbonation and a little less "meaty" than I was hoping for.

Drinkability - Keep em coming! This is a delicious, delicious brew and I am pleased to have picked up a 4-pack!

Serving type: can

12-31-2009 19:16:09 | More by digitalketchup

ihaf2p

Minnesota

4.88/5  rDev +16.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I was leery of trying this beer because I am a huge Surly fan and because of the hype did not want a let down....no worries, it was a great experience. The smell of coffee is much more prominent that I expected. The chocolate flavors really come thru as well. Very good drinkability...not sure it would be a good session beer, but I would maybe alternate between a Coffee Bender and Furious. Cheers!!

Serving type: can

01-22-2009 15:43:28 | More by ihaf2p

airbn51st

Texas

4.9/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Nice brew served in a can, most fortunate to sample this beer in the great state of Texas, so here goes tr. An exceptional coffee beer!
-Awesome drinkability.
-great up front coffee flavor
-lots of espresso on the back end
-nice carbonation

An absolute revelation! Walk, no run to acquire such a masterpiece!

Serving type: can

03-23-2010 07:16:13 | More by airbn51st

rpete777

Maryland

4.93/5  rDev +17.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

OMG! This stuff is amazing. Poured in a pint glass. Nice dark brown with a lovely tan head. Take of whiff of this stuff. Amazing. Says coffee through and through. First sip is nice and creamy with a great finish. Didn't take too long to finish it and open another but before I did I smelled the last of the first one. In a blind test I bet a lot of people would say it is just coffee. Just coffee? I think not! An amazing beer

Serving type: can

10-21-2010 18:25:55 | More by rpete777