DuClaw Brewing Company - Sweet Baby Java

DuClaw's Sweet Baby Jesus is their most popular beer, accounting for over a third of their sales and snagging a GABF Bronze Medal. Sweet Baby Java is a new limited release version that's been cold-steeped with whole bean espresso to infuse a complementary addition of coffee flavor to an already very flavorful brew. Pouring almost black in color with a rich-looking cap of brown foam, it offers up quite an interesting amalgam of aromas including distinct notes of coffee, chocolate, and peanut. Deeply roasted malts are apparent, but without any sort of acrid bitter impression. We picked up a deep breadiness too, with a lightly woody and spicy hop note. On the palate, this is a robust porter at heart, with additions that add extra dimension and character in a complementary way rather than with the heavy-handedness we sometimes encounter with coffee beers which too often are simply coffee bombs. Expect a remarkably well-balanced brew with a touch of residual sweetness easily matched by hop and roasted barley bitterness, which builds at the finish and lingers with an espresso note. Enjoy this brew on its own, or pair with a chocolaty dessert. Cheers!

DuClaw Brewing Company was founded as a brewpub in 1996 by Dave Benfield, an accomplished home brewer. He got his start as a brewer in college, where having the ability to create alcoholic beverages can often pay considerable social dividends. But his interest in brewing continued beyond his college years and developed into a bit of an obsession. He took a position within his family’s business after graduating, but his passion for home brewing continued, eventually leading to his decision to start a brewpub.

When DuClaw opened its doors to the public in Bel Air, MD in 1996, the concept of a restaurant which serves its own microbrews crafted on a small in-house brewing system was, while not unique, still a very fresh and exciting business model. Within a year the local paper highlighted DuClaw as “Bel Air’s hippest establishment.” Over the succeeding years, Dave expanded his business, opening three additional locations, including one within BWI Airport. The beer, specifically, was also a success, leading DuClaw to expand from simply a brewpub operation into a full package brewery. After outgrowing their original brewing location as well as a second location, DuClaw moved into a new brewing facility in Rosedale on Baltimore’s outskirts in 2013. Featuring over 60,000 sq. ft. of space, plus a custom-made and imported high-tech German brewing system, the brewery is well-positioned to grow into the future. For more info, call them up at 443-559-9900 or visit http://www.duclaw.com.