Beer Review: Fort George × Jacobsen Salted Caramel Cavatica
Brewery: Fort George Brewery (Astoria, OR)
Collaboration: Jacobsen Salt Co.
Style: American Imperial Stout | ABV: 8.8%
Fort George’s Cavatica Stout is already a legend in the Pacific Northwest, a “fearless obsidian commander” known for its heavy roast and stain-your-clothes darkness. For this limited February “Stout Month” release, they’ve teamed up with the salt-masters at Jacobsen Salt Co. to create a version that leans into decadence without losing its soul.
Appearance
It pours exactly how a double stout should: thick, opaque, and as black as an Astoria winter night. A dense, khaki-colored head forms and lingers, leaving behind a “spiderweb” of lacing on the glass that would make its namesake, Charlotte A. Cavatica, proud.
Aroma
The nose is a massive hit of dark chocolate and roasted coffee beans. However, the addition of 300 pounds of vegan caramel adds a soft, buttery sweetness that rounds out the base beer’s usual aggressive char. You get notes of toasted brown sugar and a hint of vanilla.
Flavor Profile
This beer is a masterclass in balance. While many “salted caramel” stouts become cloying sugar bombs, Fort George keeps the sweetness in check:
The Front: Deep, bitter dark chocolate and espresso.
The Middle: A smooth wave of caramel that coats the tongue.
The Finish: This is where the Jacobsen Salt shines. The salt doesn’t make the beer “salty”; instead, it acts as a flavor enhancer, cutting through the residual sugar and making the chocolate notes pop. It finishes surprisingly clean for an 8.8% beer, with a lingering roasted bitterness.
Mouthfeel
The body is medium to full, with a silky, almost oily texture. It feels substantial and “chewy,” which is exactly what you want when you’re hiding from the rain in a coastal taproom.
The Verdict
The Salted Caramel Cavatica is a refined evolution of a classic. It’s rich enough to be a dessert beer but balanced enough to actually drink a full 16-oz can without getting “palate fatigue.” It is a must-try for fans of the original Cavatica who want just a little more “luxury” in their glass.