Atlantic Brewing – “Ellen’s Coffee Stout”

by Jim MacMillan
Weirs Times Contributing Writer

Well, we are about to celebrate yet another St. Patty’s Day on March 17 when supposedly there was much joyous noise made over someone who drove snakes from the streets; or whatever excuse there was for drinking beer again…
Featured then is Atlantic Brewing Ellen’s Coffee (Milk) Stout in 22 oz bottles.
Atlantic Brewing resides in Bar Harbor, Maine and boasts of at least 16 different year round and seasonal beer offerings, most of them based on European recipes. Starting in 1990, they began as Acadia Brewing, a one barrel local effort. This was quickly outgrown which lead to their purchase of a 19th century farmstead in 1998 where they remain today. You can read more on their efforts by visiting their website at http://www.atlanticbrewing.com.
Ellen’s Coffee Milk Stout’s luscious maltiness is nicely balanced by its roasted coffee made from a local roaster in Bar Harbor. Also added ever-so-gently is Madagascar Vanilla making this one a treat.
Pour this beer into a ‘tulip’ glass to get roasted coffee and vanilla notes. The vanilla is not overpowering, unlike other vanilla-bomb beers I’ve experienced. With a deep tan frothy head, the blackness of the glass full is inviting. Creamy and rich, the malty mouthfeel is complex and leaves you wondering where this beer is leading you… it leads you to take another sip, of course. If a stout-style beer which looks this muddy to non-connoisseur, could be described as clean, then this beer is very clean and wisely directed; hats off to Atlantic for their accomplishment.
Although BeerAdvocate.com has rated this beer 88 of 100, while followers rated it as high as 4.92 out of 5.0 which points out that you should try this before it leaves for the season!

Jim MacMillan is the owner of WonByOne Design of Meredith, NH, and is an avid imbiber of craft brews and a home brewer as well. Send him your recommendations and brew news to wickedbrews@weirs.com.