Cape Cod Breakfast Blonde

When Val and I were at the Cape Cod beer tasting in P-Town, the owner mentioned that they had just made a coffee blonde beer that she was very happy with. Although I got a taste of it at the brewery, I wanted a bottle to bring home as well.

ABV: 4.9%

Style: American Blonde Ale

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “Breakfast Blonde is an unexpected combination of flavors made in collaboration with our friends at Cape Cod Coffee. Enjoy the light toastiness of our Blonde Ale enhanced by the dark roastiness of their popular Vienna Roast Coffee. This light brew has a crisp and clean base with strong aromas and flavors derived from the single source coffee beans. Breakfast… it’s the most important beer of the day!”

Random: If you celebrate – Merry Christmas!

The beer poured with a half a finger of loose, pure white head. It dissipated quickly and left very little lacing on the glass. The body was a clear, bright amber color with a lot of visible carbonation. The nose was filled with coffee and had some grains as well. The taste was all coffee and not much else. I picked up some grain as well, but this was, as expected, very coffee forward. The body was on the lighter side with moderate carbonation. It had a quick finish with coffee. I liked this beer a lot, but I also love coffee. It was an interesting take on a blonde and I would have it again.

Untappd Rating: 3.5/5.0

Cape Cod Red

One of the things that we planned to do in Cape Cod was a beer tasting and pairing with food. Val bought the tickets in advance and we started walking to the venue, which was the activity room of a senior complex. I’ve only had one Cape Cod beer prior to this, so I didn’t know what to expect. It was one of the best events that I’ve ever been to. It was run by one of the owners and their Marketing Manager and they told the story of the brewery and explained the beers really well. So much so that Val and I stopped at the brewery on the way home. This was one of the standout beers for me.

ABV: 5.5%

Style: American Amber/Red Ale

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “A well-balanced amber ale with caramel and toffee malt notes and a subtle spicy hop character. Nothing but smooth sailing with this North American Style Amber Ale. This brew has a mouthful of malt flavor and just the right amount of hop character. The flagship of Cape Cod Beer, this beer won’t steer you wrong!”

Random: They recommend pairing this beer with burgers, steak and pork.

This beer poured with a half a finger of off white head. It dissipated at a moderate pace and left some lacing on the glass. The body was a mahogany color and clear with a lot of carbonation visible. The nose was filled with caramel and toffee and then transitioned into light pine. The taste started off the same as the nose, with toffee and caramel notes and malt sweetness, but then transitioned into earthy hop notes. The body was heftier than I expected with a lot of carbonation. It had a medium length finish with toffee. I picked this beer up at the brewery and I don’t recall what I paid for it. Either way, this beer impressed me and I would have it again.

Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0

Cape Cod IPA

This was the second brew that I reviewed during the trip. I found that the more I looked at the taps, they had local beer in most places. Cape Cod is the local brew, you know, being on the cape and all. I had this one while I sampled a few appetizers and watched some college football.

ABV: 6.5%

Style: American IPA

Trivia: According to the brewery website, “India Pale Ale the way it ought to be, bold and hoppy! This aromatic rich golden brew attacks quickly. A big strike to your taste buds followed by a lingering blend of citrus and subtle malt undertones that leaves your mouth anxious for another delicious sip. Watch out!”

Random: I was actually going to stop at the brewery since it was on the way home, but unfortunately it was 1100 when I hit Hyannis and they opened at 12. I guess it’s just a reason to go back…

This brew poured with a thick and creamy, off white head on a clear, burnt orange body. The head dissipated slowly and left some lacing on the glass. The nose had a decent amount of grapefruit and hops, with no real malt. This definitely was not an English IPA. The taste was really good, actually. It had a nice amount of bitterness with notes of grapefruit and a slightly hint of sweet malt at the end. The beer itself was a medium body with low carbonation. The finish lingered for awhile with the bitterness and citrus that were apparent in the taste. This was great after walking around and it really quenched my thirst. It would make for a great session IPA. This is definitely something I will have again.

Untappd Rating: 4.0/5.0