Temple Coffee Stout by Jackrabbit Brewing Co.
A Craft Beer and Coffee Collaboration
Jackrabbit Brewing Company’s partnership with Temple Coffee Roasters has produced a thoughtfully crafted coffee stout that showcases the synergy between craft beer and specialty coffee. At 6.5% ABV and 17 IBU, this collaboration demonstrates how carefully selected ingredients and precise execution can elevate both beverages’ best qualities.
The Coffee Foundation
The choice of Temple Coffee’s Honduras Buenos Aires beans proves pivotal to this brew’s success. These beans are known for their balanced profile, and their integration into the stout creates a sophisticated foundation rather than merely adding coffee flavor to beer.
Appearance
The beer pours an opaque obsidian black with a dense, mocha-colored head that leaves elegant lacing down the glass. The foam’s persistence speaks to the beer’s proper protein content and carbonation level, while its color hints at the roasted elements to come.
Aroma
The nose presents an intricate dance between coffee and malt characteristics. Fresh-roasted coffee aromatics are complemented by dark chocolate, toasted nuts, and subtle caramel notes. The coffee presence is pronounced but not overwhelming, allowing the stout’s natural bouquet to shine.
Flavor Profile
The taste delivers on the aroma’s promise with remarkable complexity:
- Initial waves of smooth, roasted coffee
- Mid-palate notes of cocoa and toasted pecans
- Underlying caramel sweetness that ties everything together
- A finish that skillfully balances coffee’s natural bitterness with the stout’s malt backbone
Mouthfeel
At 6.5% ABV, the body strikes an ideal balance between substance and drinkability. The texture is velvety smooth without being heavy, suggesting careful attention to the mash temperature and grain bill. The moderate carbonation level helps lift the flavors while maintaining the creamy mouthfeel expected in a quality stout.
Balance
Perhaps the beer’s greatest achievement is its balance. At 17 IBU, the bitterness level is perfectly calibrated to complement both the coffee’s natural acids and the roasted malt character. The subtle sweetness is a binding element, preventing any single component from dominating the experience.
Technical Excellence
Several technical achievements stand out:
- Coffee integration that enhances rather than overwhelms
- Careful management of roasted flavors from both coffee and malt
- Sophisticated mouthfeel that supports the flavor complexity
- Controlled sweetness that never becomes cloying
Overall Impression
Temple Coffee Stout represents collaborative brewing at its finest. It succeeds not only as a coffee stout but as a showcase for how thoughtful ingredient selection and careful brewing can create something greater than the sum of its parts.
Rating: 4.75/5
Perfect for:
- Coffee enthusiasts exploring craft beer
- Beer aficionados seeking a refined coffee stout
- Evening dessert pairings
- Cool-weather contemplative sipping
Suggested Pairings:
- Dark chocolate truffles
- Vanilla bean ice cream
- Toasted pecan desserts
- Rich cheesecake
Time of Day: While excellent anytime, this stout particularly shines as an afternoon or evening offering when its complexity can be fully appreciated.