Spotted Cow - New Glarus Brewing Company

LeRose

Massachusetts

3.23/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Meh... Tap and bottle on numerous occasions because when in Rome and all. Lightly hazy, not much head, light body, a little tart, and little yeasty. Fares better on tap, but pretty much an average drinker. Very prevalent where I travel in WI - many times it is the best choice available. Not a bad beer, certainly drinkable and something about it is just enjoyable, but nothing truly outstanding either.

Review from notes

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 16:27:17 | More by LeRose

MattyG85

Minnesota

3.85/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from 12 oz. bottle into a Sam Adams "Perfect Pint" glass.

Appearance: Pours a cloudy pale golden yellow with lots of rising bubbles. Big four finger white head with good retention. Leaves a lot of lacing sticking to the glass.

Smell: A fairly sweet and light aroma. Pale malts along with wheat and cereal grains. Hints of cracker and biscuit. A little corn and flakes. Also some hints of straw and a little lemon. Laid back but a decent smell.

Taste: Like the smell gives off, a light and sweet grainy tasting beer. Sweet pale malts and wheat cereal grains . Taste of straw, crackers, biscuit, corn, and cream. Also a little taste of citrus lemon. Has an adjunct like taste but one of the better tasting light tastes.

Mouthfeel: Light bodied with a moderate amount of carbonation. Creamy, crisp, and very smooth.

Overall: A pretty decent light beer. Light with a corny taste but its far better than a typical BMC lager. Would make a great gateway into craft beer.

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2012 07:52:56 | More by MattyG85

starrdogg

District of Columbia

3.53/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to bertram for sending this one along as an extra.

Beer pours a hazy light yellow/gold with a thin white head. Smell is a little on the sweet side with hints of maybe apple or even a little grape. Flavor follows the nose, this is essentially a better version of an adjunct lager that brings a slight hint of apple and sweetness to go along with the usual corn of the adjuncts. It's far from spectacular tasting, but it's a good representation of what it is. Mouthfeel is thin-medium bodied with nice carbonation. Overall, this is essentially the high end version of your average light lager. It's pretty decent, and I can see why the Wisconsin-ites swear by it in the summer, but it's far from great, just above average.

Serving type: bottle

11-16-2012 01:41:25 | More by starrdogg

dhbiker0889

Colorado

3.93/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A- Golden color with a very little head

S- Very sweet at first. Maybe a slight vanilla apple smell and a little bit funky

T- Sweet with virtually no bitterness. A little bit of cream. Very plain beer taste. But delicious

M- Great. Pretty carbonated and very smooth.

O- Very good beer but kind of plain. Loved by all my friends who don't drink craft beer but still enjoyed by those that do. Very easy to drink all night.

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 05:44:32 | More by dhbiker0889

BlackBelt5112203

South Carolina

3.88/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Special thanks to my buddy Taylor who brought a New Glarus variety pack straight from Wisconsin all the way down here to Charleston. Thanks, Taylor!

12 oz bottle poured into a mug at fridge-cellar temperature.

L – Pale gold color with barely a finger of white fizzy bubbles that dissipate almost immediately. No lacing. Clear with lots of bubbles.

S – Some grainy malt but mostly corn. It smells an awful lot like a BMC adjunct lager minus some of the skunkiness that’s sometimes there.

T – Sweet all the way through with grainy and bready malt and a healthy dose of corn. While it smells a little like the big guys, it tastes a lot better.

F – Light-bodied with lots of carbonation, a smooth and creamy but crisp mouthfeel, and a sweet and slightly dry finish. The high amount of carbonation yields a perceived acidity at the finish, as well.

O – This is a solid cream ale. I’m not really a big fan of the style since it’s essentially an adjunct “ale,” but this is a great example of the style. For a cream ale, this is very tasty and definitely refreshing and drinkable. Great lawnmower beer. Nicely done, NG.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2012 02:21:26 | More by BlackBelt5112203

harrymel

Washington

2.95/5  rDev -20.5%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Everybody from WI that hears I like craft beer is all, "you gotta try spotted cow! It's the best!"

Here we go.

Pours light straw with slight diaphany, a central dome of white foam. Smells of white grapes, hay, some corn and powdered milk. Flavor of beer, milk and some rice, the aftertaste is slightly sweet and the beer would go well with vanilla bean ice cream in the summertime. Thin with moderate carb and a semi dry, crisp finish. An okay beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2012 03:47:57 | More by harrymel

stewart124

Ohio

3.53/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Slightly hazy golden yellow. Just a bit of head.

A touch of sweet apple in the nose. Crisp malt and hay add something that reminds me of summer.

Light malt and just a touch of creamy goodness. Slight sweetness that could come from the corn. Hops are barely noticeable.

There is something comforting about this beer. So easy to drink. Obviously a staple for the brewery.

Serving type: bottle

10-06-2012 00:38:57 | More by stewart124

jpohl

4.33/5  rDev +16.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My favorite beer of all. Goes down smooth but still has some body to it. Problem is that they only sell it in Wisconsin which is a problem since I live in AZ now. I had to bring about 6 cases out with me before I moved. The color is fine and the mouthfeel is smooth.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 21:23:57 | More by jpohl

tigg924

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into a Sam Adams perfect pint glass

Appearance: 1/2 inch head, high carbonation, straw gold in color, clear

Smell: straw, light funkiness and maybe a touch of apple

Taste: grass, straw, adjunct, and sugar

Mouthfeel: super light body, sweet with a touch of funk, medium-high carbonation

Overall: A nice summer beer, almost adjunct lager in style. This one is smooth and ejoyable but not overly complex. A nice warmer weather beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-01-2012 16:53:35 | More by tigg924

rlee1390

Indiana

3.78/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A-Translucent cloudy yellow, not much carbonation, one finger head.

S-Bread, malt, some lemon and grass with slight spice.

T-Bread, very sweet, lemon, slight grass, bubblegum and no bitterness.

M-Light in body, good deal of carbonation and very crisp.

O-Thanks to a friend who brought back a 6pack for me, it was a solid brew. All my non-craft friends loved it.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2012 20:44:57 | More by rlee1390

Misanthropy_Sipping

Nebraska

2.68/5  rDev -27.8%
look: 3 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

My respectful parents were nice enough to bring back a menagerie of New Glarus beer when they crossed through Wisconsin. Always nice to know people who travel and know you like good beer. Had three bottles of Spotted Cow in a sampler pack.

Well, the pour was a pale gold. Nothing unusual or multispectral in colour. All I expect from a cream ale. Somewhat of a murk to it. Very gentle murk.

Smells very light of fresh straw, a tad citrusy, sweet corn... all pretty light.

Taste: Light sweet corn kind of a taste which is nice, not unpleasant, a tad muted lemon... tastes like... well... beer, for lack of better terms. Has a bit of a cream of wheat thing going on. All the flavors are pretty well evened out all the way through.

The mouthfeel certainly saves the day and makes it a very clean but not entirely crisp beer which is cool. It lives up to it's cream ale style. Mouthfeel is probably the best cream ale mouthfeel I have had in a beer to date.

Overall nothing out of this world but I can definitely see why this is one of Wisconsin's most popular craft beers. It appeals to many crowds and is utterly non offensive. A winner for those who enjoy good beer and those who may have no idea what good beer is.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 02:42:46 | More by Misanthropy_Sipping

BigTuna

3.7/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Spotted Cow pours a lovely golden-yellow with a finger and a half of head, and it laces nice as you sip.

The smell is yeast and bread with hints of banana and citrus fruits. I don't really get the corn or hop scents that others have noted. It's a delightful smell, not overbearing.

The beer tastes great. I get similar flavors to the nose, with a lingering sweetness that makes Spotted Cow sessionable as hell. Just a super-drinkable beer.

Mouthfeel is nice, but nothing special. The carbonation grabs your attention but seems to settle as you drink.

Overall, a fun, tasty beer. If you're looking for something to drink regularly, go for Spotted Cow. It does feel and taste a little thin toward the end, but the flavors stay intact for the most part. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 01:57:30 | More by BigTuna

CurtisPeacock

3.78/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Appearance: Pours a light yellow color with a good white head that really flows up the glass. Small light head stayed atop the brew throughout the session.
Smell: Rich notes of hops, barley, grains and malts combine to create a very balanced smell.
Taste: A very crisp, tasty brew that is very drinkable. More of a session beer everyone can enjoy.
Mouth feel: Very creamy rich mouth feel with plenty of carbonation for a nice zest. Medium to light body also attributing to the session beer feel.
Overall: One of my favorite session beers to sit down and enjoy with friends. A very crisp taste and not overpowering if you are looking to drink more than a couple.
Thanks

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2012 21:53:06 | More by CurtisPeacock

scottfrie

California

4/5  rDev +7.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz bottle into SA perfect pint. Thanks again, Jay!

A: Pours a very lightly cloudy lemon color with a crazy frothy bone white head that really frothed up with the pour. After it settled and I was able to fill my glass a thick foam sat atop the liquid until the final sip.
S: Light notes of spicy hops, flaked barley, dry grains and clean malts. Yeast adds another layer of peppery spice as well. Light, spicy, and crisp.
T: Follows the nose with crisp and creamy flavors of cracked grains, pale malts, herbal and spicy hops and dry yeast. Slightly fruity. Very flavorful for being so light. Finish is peppery and the aftertaste is slightly sweet.
M: Super creamy moutfeel from all that ample carbonation, drying and refreshing, with a medium body.
O: Not a bad brew. Clean, crisp, light and refreshing. Thanks again, jbck109.

Serving type: bottle

08-23-2012 02:19:58 | More by scottfrie

TX-Badger

Texas

4.43/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

An offering from New Glarus Brewing Co. that I have had on many occasion while living in Madison. Finally decided to review it.

A - The Spotted Cow has a faint hazy yellow gold color, mainly due to the yeast left in the bottle. It also poured a very white fluffy head, about an inch that dissipated at an average pace.

S - On the nose I get light fruits, a little citrus from the hops, barley malt, yeast, and the unmistakable hint of corn.

T - On the palate I got exactly what I smelled on the nose, and that hint of corn on the finish adds a distinct sweetness, but not too much.

M - Medium-bodied on the palate, carbonated very well while conditioned in the bottle.

O - A fantastic offering from New Glarus. Each time I have a Spotted Cow, I understand more and more why this beer is their staple. It i a fantastic Wisconsin farmhouse ale with an unmistakable character. I do like it much more on tap than in the bottle, but it doesn't detract from this great brew. Great from start to finish.

Serving type: bottle

08-20-2012 02:01:00 | More by TX-Badger

daledeee

Iowa

3.5/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A six pack brought back for me.

Pours like a lager. Light gold with medium head.

Smell. I gave this a 3.5 just because it smelled fresh. Nothing much to say.

Taste is slightly grainy with a hint of lemon and pepper(not much of either). Slightly overcarbonated which left me rather dry in my mouth. You wouldn't go wrong sitting around drinking a bunch of this, but not distinctive.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2012 02:00:27 | More by daledeee

Bitter_Echo

Michigan

3.13/5  rDev -15.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

I got this on trade and have this sometimes when I visit WI. Pours a slightly cloudy light lemon drop yellow, not very fussy or foamy either. Nose is clean and subtle, like the beer I drank in college 25 years ago. Nose has some floral notes, and malt and grain and some breadiness. Taste is lemony, and citrus and grains in good balance but as expected, not really that hop forward (I'm missing more bitterness volume...next up must be an IPA), but satisfying nevertheless. Mouth-feel is refreshing, alcohol is light, carbonation is more muted, finer and not at all scrubbing. Overall a very good brew and respectful of the style, but I'd reach for their moon-man if I were in a buying mood.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 22:25:34 | More by Bitter_Echo

TheCondor

Missouri

3.33/5  rDev -10.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Picked up from a relative in Nebraska, relatively low expectations. Side poured with medium vigor from a bottle into a Boulevard pint glass.

Appearance - Pours a pale golden yellow color with a dismally soapy tiny head that rapidly dissipates leaving no sign of lacing. Pretty pitiful in the appearance category.

Smell - Sweet corn, a bit of malts, a faint fruity essence. Very subdued smell, not that that is a bad thing, as long as the taste comes through strong.

Taste - A fairly rich creamy maltiness with a touch of grains, grassiness, and even a hint of fruits. A little more complex and quality than the nose or presentation. Not too bad.

Mouthfeel - Creamy, slightly Grainy finish, heavily carbonated.

Overall - worth trying one time. I wouldn't buy it again! I may or may not drink it again. I can't get it where I am, so not a big deal. It's not a bad beer, just not real great either. Spend your hard earned money elsewhere if you are looking for a thrill. If you get tthis free, drink it!

Serving type: bottle

08-12-2012 03:16:57 | More by TheCondor

andrewjraab

Michigan

3.1/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - A Golden yellow pale color. A frothy foam of yellowish head stuck to one side of the glass. Not stick or lacing.

S - A sweet corny smell jumps out with faint fruity elements.

T - This is a crisp and clean brew that drinks more like a session lager. Nothing really special about it so I'm surprised it was so highly acclaimed.

O - Meh. I'll pass next time.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 03:14:24 | More by andrewjraab

socon67

New York

3.68/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On tap at the Safe House in Milwaukee

A - Hazy straw color, no lacing of note. Plenty of bubbly carbonation.

S - A bit of a tasted grain scent, but that's about it. Not much else of note.

T - Nice creamy flavor. I like the malt taste to this. Feels rich for a light style.

M - Nice hearty flavor and impressive thickness. Feels heavier than its style.

O - Enjoyable beer tha it true to its style. Right up there with Sixpoint Sweet Action which is my other cream ale favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2012 16:52:43 | More by socon67

MaximalC

Illinois

2.75/5  rDev -25.9%
look: 2 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours pale straw in color, slightly hazy, with bountiful carbonation bubbles. The aroma is mild, mostly grainy, with a hint of fruitiness and some hops. The flavor pretty much matches the smell, with no specific element really carrying the load. I fail to see how this manages to be the flagship brew of a very respectable brewery with many superior offerings in the stable. Maybe because it most resembles light beer? Regardless of the reason, this just doesn't resonate with me.

Serving type: bottle

07-27-2012 01:01:19 | More by MaximalC

phishsihq

Colorado

4.13/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Spotted Cow pours a hazy, honey-gold color, and is capped with a thin white head that provides a moderate amount of lace. Light aromas of caramelized malt, grain, and a touch of corn blend together to make a wonderful bouquet. On the pallet the brew starts out with a light breadiness with the corn again peaking out ever so subtly, before a malty sweetness melts into a restrained hop bitterness. Moderate amounts of carbonation and a medium body round out this Wisconsin-only treat.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2012 22:11:03 | More by phishsihq

tdm168

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Dunn for bringing this back from his travels.

A - bright yellow with a thin lacing of white head

S - cereal grains

T - lemon, cereal grains, a bit grassy

M - light, smooth, crisp

This is a smooth, easy drinking, light, refreshing offering that is perfect for sipping on a hot day. If I could regularly get my hands on this, it would be a good go to session beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-22-2012 15:44:23 | More by tdm168

Hoptometrist

Oregon

3.95/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap into a shaker glass at the Old Fashioned in Madison

A- Poured a clear light pale yellow color with lots of streaming carbonation and soapy head that left some droppy lace

S- Grains, corn, some light citrus. Pretty aromatic

T- Big creamed corn and grain flavor with a nice citrus pop om the finish

M- Lighter bodied, prickly carbonation, a little watery on the finish

O- I can see why this beer is so popular, very drinkable and a unique session ale.

Serving type: on-tap

07-20-2012 03:43:04 | More by Hoptometrist

tyleeis

Wisconsin

4.53/5  rDev +22.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance is light golden but hazy, one finger head....looks amazing!

Smell isnt strong, lemony and slightly bready....

Tastes great! Sweet nice banana aftertaste and malty.

Smooth mouthfeel, med carbonation.

Could drink this beer all day all year around but in the summer is the best. A must have for the fridge.

Serving type: on-tap

07-12-2012 01:53:48 | More by tyleeis