PLENTY of people had funny looks on their faces when they heard about Burleigh Brewing Company's latest offering, Black Giraffe black coffee lager.
After all the thought of beer and coffee going together isn't one that usually has you licking your lips in anticipation.
However fellow beer lovers, the taste diversity in the market these days means that almost anything is possible so why be surprised at this combination.
Black Giraffe, as you might expect has a wonderful coffee aroma when you open the bottle and the rich black colour is capped off suitably by a tight coffee coloured head.
This is a smooth yet full bodied lager that embraces the palate with flavour.
The coffee component, while distinct, isn't overbearing, though there is a good degree of bitterness in the after taste but it isn't like sucking lemons.
It lingers in the mouth and has that certain quality which draws you back and ready for the next mouthful.
It's a rich heavy style of beer at 5 percent so its full strength.
Black Giraffe isn't a beer you could sit down and have a big session on because it will make you feel full but it is a beer which I would serve up with a good meaty main course like a roast beef or hearty beef stew with s good thick sauce.
You could also serve it up with rich chocolate desert or even a sticky date pudding with a port sauce.
This won't be to everyone's liking because of pronounced bitterness and flavour but for those who enjoy dark beers that make a statement, Black Giraffe with its distinctive label is head and shoulders above the rest.
MY TIP
Serve this nice and cold but not chilled and I found it to 'improved' a little as it warmed at room temperature both in flavour (became smoother) and aroma (more distinct). Served in a 650ml bottle, this is a great finishing beer at the end of a meal though it is a good beer to enjoy in the cooler weather.
However it is a very limited release and at $10 per bottle you'd better be quick to get one or two. To track it down, visit www.burleighbrewing.com.au