Brew Brain Blog

Tonight’s beer is Jumping Cow Amber Ale from SteinhausBrewing Co., Paso Robles, CA:

This is the second ale I promised in yesterday’s review. I’ll tell you right now they went 2 for 2. While notas good as the Dead Guy Ale in my opinion, this one is a fine quality brew.  Apparently, Steinhaus is a contract brewer that provides this beer for Trader Joe’s.  I can’t find a proper web site.

Sorry about the photo. I had to hurry things a bit as I poured before I was ready to take the picture. I wanted to get the photo with the head still in tact. I went to the ‘fridge to grab another bottle for tonight so I could get a new photo, but it was a popular choice this past weekend and there are no bottles left.

The cow on the label needs milked, I can tell. I think it might be the cow that jumps over the moon in the nursery rhyme. She’s in training for the big event.

On to the beer:

Appearance: The beer pours a rich copper color with a thick tan head.  She sure is perty, ain’t she?

Smell:  Malt.  Lots and lots of caramel malt.  I got a tad of citrus in there as well, and a bit of floral hops, but mostly malt.  I worry about balance.

Taste:  Worry not about the balance.  The malt definitely dominates, and it is very tasty.  Rich, sweet caramel flavors rule the day, but the hops really plays a perfect supporting role, lingering just long enough.  Very nice.  I want that bottle I was looking for a bit ago.

Mouth Feel:  The cow is meduim/full bodied for an ale.  Nice carbonation, too.  It has a somewhat creamy feel and is quite smooth.

Overall:  Deep, rich flavors are what I like, and I got them.  Again, this one, while flavorful, is not heavy.  It is a drinker.  It’s not for the beginner, but very enjoyable once beer flavor taste is acquired.  Go find you some.

Enjoy your beer,

Brew Brain

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