Went in to Copper Kettle on a Saturday afternoon and after sitting down at the bar I got the feeling that maybe I walked into someone's man cave or beer den. It's a very laid back vibe here with a medium sized bar, a few small tables, and a large leather couch in the corner. I dig it. It wasn't too packed, but there were a number of locals hanging out at the bar and a couple playing cards on the couch. Got the sampler flight of all eight beers on tap for $12, impressions below:
Bavarian Helles: This light lager pours a nice golden color with a creamy head, it smells very malty with a bit of sweetness. The taste follows the aroma with grainy maltiness, however I found it to be a bit too bitter for my liking. Additionally, I thought it comes away a little on the dull side on the finish. I feel like that clean, crisp finish that's the hallmark of light lagers was missing and would have made this beer a bit more enjoyable.
Heller Dopplebock: Appearance is a deep golden/brown color. The nose is much maltier than the Helles. The taste is also sweeter which is provided by the darker malt used as the backbone. No hop bitterness here, the malt is the main star in this brew. This was definitely a step in the right direction from the Helles in my opinion.
La Paloma Agave Wit: This white beer was actually a winner of CKBC's homebrew competition, I think it's cool that they give the community the opportunity to join in the art of brewing and let the winner showcase their beer. The card lists a number of exotic ingredients that went in it: pomelos (an Asian citrus fruit, kinda like a grapefruit), grapefruit, limes, agave nectar, coriander, chamomile, key lime zest, and kaffir lime leaves. Still with me? With all that stuff it seems like this beer might be all over the map and muddled. The smell was...interesting. At first it kinda smelled like soap, I know, a little off putting... however the taste was VERY intriguing. The citrus elements are perfect for the Witbier style and they work perfectly with one another. The pomelo comes through nicely with the grapefruit providing a hint of tartness. The wheat makes this beer feel smooth with a medium to light body. Very complex profile yet highly drinkable at the same time. This one's a keeper. Homerun!
Belgian Golden Strong: At this point a regular pulled up next to me and we got to talking about CKBC's history and the various beers they've produced. It was nice to get the background from someone that's familiar with the joint and from the neighborhood. In my eagerness to soak up knowledge I got away from my tasting notes, so there's not much to say about this one. I don't think it's any fault of the beer as I'm pretty sure I liked it. Give it a shot and found out for yourself!
Copper Mezzina Ale: As the name suggests, this pours a rich copper color and as nice floral hop nose to it. I love the aroma that noble hops give and the nose they gave this beer was prominent. They also provided a nice citrus element on the taste that's followed with a bit of sweetness and a subtle bitter finish that lingers through until the next sip. I really liked this one as well.
American Amber: This had a deep ruby/brown tint to it. Well balanced with hops and malt. Perhaps a little more bitter than a traditional amber but the malts help to subdue the hops from getting out of hand.
Black IPA: This was a special release and wasn't on the tap menu, but it pours dark and black with the bitterness of the hops really coming through in the nose. The taste however is more akin to a Porter rather than an IPA. The dark roasts from the grains mask any over powering hop bitterness, but you can find some subtle notes on the finish.
Mexican Chocolate Stout: Ever had a Mexican hot chocolate? (think of a darker, spicier, less sweet version of a hot cocoa) Well put that in a stout and here's what you get! The nose has notes of dark cocoa, cinnamon, deep spices, and roasty aromas. The taste is similar with the malt and cinnamon hitting you first. The dark roast of the grains subside more towards the cinnamon and spices that then progresses to dark, bittersweet chocolate and finishes with a chili kick that lingers and builds long after the sip. Some might find the spiciness from the chilis to be too hot, but I love it. New Belgium offers a similar beer with their Cocoa Mole, but I found CKBC's version to be much more drinkable as NB's is much thicker and more syrupy. This would be the perfect beer to drink on a snowy evening or by the campfire. Try this beer if you're up for an adventure!
Overall I'd say I was very impressed by CKBC. I had the pleasure of speaking with Jeremy, the owner and brewmaster, since he was working the bar. It's always nice to get the chance to talk to the brewer and learn what's the inspiration behind the beers. The quality of the beers were consistent and on point. I only wish I lived closer so I could try more! Give 'em a try. read more