Written by Part of the spoils that came to me as a result of a victorious Fantasy Football season that I had, was this 7.5% ABV bomber bottle of Tröegs Java Head Stout.
I’ve been on a bit of a coffee beer kick, so I was looking forward to trying this beer from the Tröegs brothers. Little did I know that this beer was not going to be anything like what I had expected! I think its a good thing to be completely surprised by a beer once in awhile!
The Tröegs Java Head Stout poured an almost black color with just some glimmers of red light coming through if coaxed by a bright enough light. The head I found was a beautiful coffee (or java?) color, and this beer’s head was also a bit of a surprise! At first, I poured the beer as usual, and then I put the glass down to rest. I turned around and the head had expanded like insulating foam well up and above the rim of my glass!
It took some time for the head to become contained to the point where I could top off the glass for the picture you see here. Watch the pour on this beer!
An additional surprise came with the aroma! While I was expecting a sweet, malty stout, my nose was confused when it only picked up on floral hops, and not in a secondary way either. Citrusy-smelling hop is the main ingredient here! Its important to let this beer warm a bit as the coffee, and malt aromas began to emerge as time went by, but in this beer malt and coffee seem to play a supporting role.
Considering the smell of this beer, I was a bit more prepared for the flavor to be similar with hops taking the lead, and I was right. Again, I’ve never had a stout quite like this one. Hops rule, although they don’t overpower. Coffee, malt and vanilla flavors began to emerge more as the beer warmed and the flavor overall became even more balanced and enjoyable. Still, this is an unusual beer. If I were blindfolded, I would have guessed this was a Chocolate-flavored American Pale Ale if there is such a thing!
I found the Tröegs Java Head to be a slick feeling beer, and there was just enough carbonation to make it interesting although I think my pour could have thrown thing off a bit. (Watch out for the super-expanding head!) It was a fairly smooth drinker with a little bit of a hop bite and dry finish.
Wrapping up, I’d have to say this was an unusual beer that completely threw me and challenged my preconceptions of what a coffee stout should be. Again, if I were blindfolded, I might think that this Tröegs beer was an odd coffee APA – but it ain’t!
I’m impressed with how they were able to keep the hops in front for both taste and smell, but not have them overpower the whole show. Coffee, vanilla and malt played well blended supporting roles in a beer that I was pleasantly surprised by and would have again.
Nice job Tröegs, and thanks for keeping me on my toes!
Rating: 
What about you? Ever been completely surprised by a beer where it was completely different than what you thought it would be?
I was a little disappointed when I had this one Scott, probably because I had heard so many good things about it.
Troegs makes nice beers, and this one is no exception. They never overpower your senses and always have a pleasant and unique flavor. Unfortunately, I like a coffee stout to be big and aggressive, and this one didn’t fit that bill. Balanced and well crafted for sure, but I like ‘em to punch me in the palate. So this one’s not my favorite, but I know lots of folks will love it.
Also, you nailed the mouthfeel by calling it “slick”. I expected it to be heartier. But that’s what I love about the Troegs brothers – they don’t care what I expect, they just brew beers they like.
@Jim-With this beer I had expected one thing and got something quite different! I haven’t had too many Troegs beers yet, but I’d agree with how you describe them so far – and that’s usually a good thing. I think you mentioned they were going to start making this in the 12oz size as part of their regular lineup? I’d have it again.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..Founders Breakfast Stout =-.
Scott on a beer kick? Naaahhh…that never happens!?!?
I’ve never had this beer. It’s on the shelf every week, and I’ve never tried it. I’m not the hugest coffee stout fan, but to indulge you, I may go try it out.
.-= nate´s last blog ..Guest Review: Don from Beer and Whiskey Bros Reviews Black Cauldron =-.
Yeah, I know Nate – a beer kick of all things! (Technically it was a coffee beer kick) I just found that this beer really hit the spot at the time. Sometimes you just happen to pick right beer at the right time.
.-= Scott-TheBrewClub´s last blog ..O’Hara’s Irish Stout – Carlow Brewing Company =-.
Java Head Stout was introduced as a seasonal, and was so very well received that it has become part of Troeg’s excellent lineup of year-rounds. It has enough of traditional coffee stout in it to please lovers of same, and as you’ve noted it throws in some very pleasant surprises. A really enjoyable brew that everybody ought to check out.