Cerveza Especial - Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery

DesMoinesMike

Iowa

4.33/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I would have to describe this brew as S.A. Boston Lager with a kick.

It's a nice dark ruby color with a boatload of head. It has a very nice malty aroma with a bit of caramel. Taste-wise it is very pleasant with some spices like cinnamon coming out. The body has a good thickness and it goes down the pipe with with a bit of a twinge that I found quite enjoyable.

I can't wait for an excuse to buy a growler of this.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines

06-11-2010 18:40:01 | More by DesMoinesMike

jt31914

Michigan

4.15/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Best beer of the day at rock bottom; very malty and full crystal malt flavor with an amber color (1 inch of head and great lacing). Wonderful malt texture and full body. This beer was crisp, tasty, refreshing, and well done. By far the best Rock Bottom had to offer.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines

06-10-2010 20:50:31 | More by jt31914

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4/5  rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Coppery orange on the coaster... sunny Sunkist orange when held up to the brewpub's big side windows. Riding along atop the beer was a slim slice of cork colored foam that left thin rings of residue indicating each mouthful. A pretty snappy look.

While it didn't have as much personality or as much power as it might have, the nose was still pleasant. General impressions included a light toasted maltiness and a European (as opposed to an American) hoppiness. Czech Saaz and Tettanger hops will tend to do that. Tropical fruity U.S. varieties would not have worked as well given the style.

Speaking of Vienna lagers, Cerveza Especial is probably too hop-driven for style purists. Doesn't bother me a bit and it obviously doesn't bother wdmrock. Good beer is good beer no matter what's in it... within reason. Besides, CE is beautifully balanced from my (possibly somewhat warped) perspective. What would yin be without yang?

Generously toasted cereal grains were the solid base upon which the rest of flavors were arrayed. Specifics included toasted sourdough croutons dipped in light caramel and honey, then sprinkled with spicy-grassy-herbal hop leaves. The finishing palate smack of focused bitterness was just right. I loved the fact that this brew was in the happy zone between lager clean and ale estery.

The mouthfeel was quality-built as well. It was at least medium for the style, and possibly even medium-full. The carbonation was just sparkly enough on the tongue to add mouth energy without being too buzzy.

As it turns out, Cerveza Especial (Without Guajillo) is pretty damn good beer. In fact, it's one of the three best Vienna lagers to have ever entered my glass. It's a shame that more BAs don't get a chance to try this brewpub's beer because it's muy bueno! Happy belated Cinco de Mayo.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, 4508 University Ave, West Des Moines

05-13-2009 19:48:20 | More by BuckeyeNation