AleSmith Speedway Stout - Kopi Luwak - AleSmith Brewing Company

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BA SCORE
98
world-class
-
206 Ratings

rAvg: 4.45
pDev: 7.87%
Reviews: 50
Hads: 156

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Brewed by:
AleSmith Brewing Company

California, United States

Style | ABV
American Double / Imperial Stout | 12.00% ABV

Availability: Rotating. bottle (26), on-tap (16), growler (5), cask (3).

Notes:
No notes at this time.

View: Beers (52) | Reviews (17) | Events (0)

Reviews

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Reviews by tectactoe:

tectactoe

Michigan

4.29/5 rDev -3.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Finally getting to try the Kopi Luwak Speedway (aka toddy cat poop beer), alongside the regular and barrel-aged versions of Speedway nonetheless. Very excited. The Kopi version pours an extremely deep shade of brown, appearing pitch black when it finally gets to the glass. This one seems just a slight touch lighter than the regular and BA Speedways, with a light tan head that perches itself on the beer and shows the best retention of the three.

To my surprise, the aroma is actually a little more muzzled and quiet than I would like. I was expecting a huge explosion and was just a bit let down. The aromas that I am picking up, however, are full of coffee big-time. And it's an extremely different and almost strange coffee aroma. I've never smelled Kopi Luwak coffee beans for myself, but if they smell anything like this beer, then they are very unique. There is also a borderline acidic sweetness on the nose, much akin to apple skins or grapes. Not sure if this is a characteristic of the special coffee beans or not. One thing is certain - the aroma on this beer is undeniably unlike anything else out there.

The taste starts off with an almost harsh, bitter roastiness. I get the feeling that I'm drinking burnt, used coffee grounds, minus the grit and smashed beans. Very roasty and ashy, coming through with that Kopi Luwak uniqueness. The sweetness comes through on the palate as well, with that light apple skin flavor that quickly transitions into a deeper, darker licorice - much more suitable for this style of beer. There is a nice balance of sweetness to offset the initial surge of bitterness, but in the end, the heavy roast comes back for seconds. The aftertaste is full of bitter and burnt coffee beans with a light ash and charcoal that scrapes the mouth. Some cocoa notes pop out here and there, but are nothing compared to the Kopi coffee flavors. Heavy body, creamy on the palate with the highest amount of carbonation between the three Speedways.

Wow, this beer was certainly different. Definitely tasty, unique, and roasted to hell, big-time. There really is nothing quite like it. But in the end, I think I'd have to go with the regular Speedway as my favorite. The balance on this one is a bit lopsided, but it's still a very delicious beer. In my honest opinion, maybe a touch overrated.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2013 13:58:19 | More by tectactoe

More User Reviews:

Photekut

Azerbaijan

4.25/5 rDev -4.5%

05-18-2013 23:57:28 | More by Photekut

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Washington

4.5/5 rDev +1.1%

05-18-2013 18:05:25 | More by OctopusPrim

coryking

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4/5 rDev -10.1%

05-17-2013 21:35:53 | More by coryking

gpawned

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3.75/5 rDev -15.7%

05-17-2013 05:04:19 | More by gpawned

deekyn

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4.25/5 rDev -4.5%

05-16-2013 04:15:31 | More by deekyn

Zbeetleman

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4.5/5 rDev +1.1%

05-15-2013 05:04:00 | More by Zbeetleman

Quackus

New York

4.5/5 rDev +1.1%

05-14-2013 17:56:04 | More by Quackus

bsuedekum

Missouri

4.75/5 rDev +6.7%

05-14-2013 01:32:11 | More by bsuedekum

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North Carolina

5/5 rDev +12.4%

05-13-2013 16:03:15 | More by leftstagebrew

brystmar

New York

4.25/5 rDev -4.5%

05-13-2013 03:57:27 | More by brystmar

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4.5/5 rDev +1.1%

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marine1975

North Carolina

4.75/5 rDev +6.7%

05-10-2013 02:21:05 | More by marine1975

Yabev15

Massachusetts

4.5/5 rDev +1.1%

05-08-2013 00:29:25 | More by Yabev15

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

4/5 rDev -10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pour is jet black, thick creamy dark caramel brown head. Nose is dominated by roasted coffee, not burnt, very clean. Lightly cooked caramel and some rich chocolate malt underneath. Taste follows suit with a bitter of the toasty bitter finish but it doesn't linger. Very well balanced coffee centered flavor, bright flavors, a touch of citrus in the finish. Body is creamy and thick, assertive carbonation and a fairly dry finish. Well done coffee beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-07-2013 18:16:58 | More by cpetrone84