Lost in the shuffle in the more recent trends of sours, black IPAs, saisons, and old world recipes has been the foregone marriage of chocolate and coffee. Sure a few classic coffee beers are still hanging around shelves, or pop up infrequently from start up microbreweries, such as Renegade’s Sunday Morning.  But it seems like those coffee flavored brews have lost some of the hype.  New Belgium’s Imperial Coffee Stout definitely restores that swag.

It seemed that the hype behind coffee beer had waned a bit, that is, until New Belgium resurrected it with their latest Lips of Faith series offering Imperial Coffee Chocolate Stout.  Typically the Lips of Faith series is known for experimentation and more unique flavors, so it should be a statement that New Belgium decided on visiting a style that’s been done before.

CCS is the complete package.  Rich velvety body, initially not too overpowering coffee profile, followed by that great mocha finish.  And its got that cocoa chocolate-y base that makes it balanced and slightly sweet.  Also at 10% ABV, this potent brew will help add some pep to your step but also boasts the boozyness to help warm your bones.

At around $6 a bomber, this brew definitely ranks amongst the best on the bang for your buck list.  In fact this may very well qualify as the ultimate blue collar craft brew… affordable, tasty, coffee flavored, gets the job done.  Fill up that thermos with a Imperial Coffee Chocolate Stout and start the day out right!