For the 2021 series of GABS festivals, Ocean Reach set out to recreate the experience of morning tea: combining elements of creamy coffee and a slice of bun in beer form. In doing so, they opted to create a white stout (a beer with the aroma and flavour characteristics of a stout but without the dark brown / black shades derived from darker malts. Instead, in went roasted coffee beans, cacao nibs and vanilla bean for the creamy coffee, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, lactose and toasted coconut bring the pastry vibe.
When it comes to the appearance, they've nailed the brief; it's so pale Coffee & Bun could pass as a hazy XPA. The various elements have been dealt with even handedly too as it kicks off like a mug of creamy café con leche, with a sweetness like that of a sticky iced bun sweetness, and a hint of spice at the end.
James Smith
Published June 1, 2021 2021-06-01 00:00:00
