Ah, Mother’s Winter Grind. If there’s ever been a beer designed to warm your soul on a chilly winter evening, this might just be it. It’s a seasonal coffee stout brewed by Mother’s Brewing Company, and it’s got a reputation for blending the boldness of coffee with the richness of stout. Let’s pop it open and dive in.
First Impressions:
Right from the pour, you’re greeted with a deep, inky black liquid topped by a creamy, tan head. The carbonation is subtle but enough to keep things lively in the glass. The aroma hits you like walking into a cozy café. There’s roasted coffee, hints of cocoa, and a faint nuttiness. It’s enticing, no doubt.
Taste Profile:
The first sip delivers exactly what the nose promised: coffee, coffee, and more coffee. If you’re a java junkie, you’ll feel right at home. The roasted malts blend beautifully with the coffee flavor, creating a bittersweet symphony that’s robust but not overwhelming. There’s a slight dark chocolate vibe in the background, which adds a layer of complexity.
As you drink, subtle notes of caramel and a bit of toasted bread peek through, balancing the bitter roastiness. The body is medium—rich enough to feel indulgent but not so heavy that it becomes a meal in itself. The finish is dry, which is a smart move for a coffee stout; it leaves you wanting another sip instead of lingering too long on your palate.
The Positives:
- Fantastic Coffee Integration: The partnership with a local roaster (as Mother’s does) really shines here. The coffee flavor is fresh, vibrant, and avoids the dreaded “burnt” taste that lesser coffee stouts sometimes fall into.
- Balanced Bitterness: While the beer leans toward the bitter side, it’s never harsh. The malty sweetness plays just enough of a supporting role.
- Drinkability: For a stout, it’s surprisingly easy to enjoy more than one, especially if you’re cozying up by a fire.
The Critiques:
- Lacking Depth Beyond Coffee: If you’re not a die hard coffee fan, you might find this beer a bit one dimensional. The other flavors, like chocolate and caramel, are there, but they’re playing backup to coffee’s lead vocal.
- A Touch More Body Would Help: While the medium body makes it drinkable, it could stand to be a bit creamier or fuller, especially for a winter stout.
- Carbonation Feels Slightly Low: Some might argue that a bit more effervescence could lift the flavors even more.
Ratings:
- Aroma: 9/10 – Rich, inviting, and all about the coffee.
- Appearance: 8/10 – Lovely color and head, but the head retention fades quicker than expected.
- Flavor: 8.5/10 – Delicious, bold, but slightly singular in focus.
- Mouthfeel: 7.5/10 – Smooth, but a bit more weight would elevate it.
- Overall: 8/10 – A stellar winter beer, especially if coffee is your thing.
Final Thoughts:
Mother’s Winter Grind is the kind of beer you’d want in hand after a long day shoveling snow or while binge watching your favorite series under a blanket. Its coffee-forward nature makes it a niche favorite. Those who love it will really love it. That said, if you’re looking for a stout with more sweetness or complexity, you might feel it’s missing a layer or two. But for what it sets out to be, an unapologetically coffee-centric winter beer, it delivers the goods.
Would I drink it again? Absolutely. Would I recommend it to a non-coffee drinker? Maybe not. But hey, more for the rest of us!
If you’ve had a 2024 Winter Grind, please let us know what you thought about it below.
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