Introduction

If you had a time machine there would be a strong argument that the best thing you could do is travel to the California coast in 1996 and open a small-batch brewery that would become hugely popular, and give you success on the beach every day of your life. Ron and Rick Chapman managed to do this without having to penetrate the infinite mysteries of the space-time continuum, and good on them for doing it. Their original brewing system only managed 10 barrels but they parlayed it into a thriving interest in only a few years, eventually moving to bottled beer off a bigger line nearly a decade later. Now they are a world recognized brewery winning Great American Beer Festival awards for their IPAs in a massive brewing location with plenty of room for dusty time machines in the back. Wait… ignore the last part. The Early Bird is a Milk Stout with all the best that style offers. Flavourful, rich, and explosive on the senses. Serves well at 8°C and can cellar for up to a year.

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How it looks

Pours inky black with a totally opaque body and light carbonation. A thin layer of brown-tinted bubbles rests on top like a toque.

How it smells

Exactly the aroma of a freshly drawn espresso with a splash of farm cream in it. Deep in the back of the aroma you can pick up some of the spices and nuttiness, but it all mixes together into a slightly sweet, rich aroma.

How it tastes

A milk stout is always a gamble, but if you’re into the style this is a must drink. The coffee beans, chicory, and lactose advertised by the brewer delivers a spicy, nutty, smooth and filling taste that is delightful. But it also lights up the palate with little hidden flavour bombs, never allowing the milk sugars to gloss over flavour and make it flat. Finishes smooth as expected and leaves behind the aroma of fresh roast to tantalize the senses.

Recommended food pairing

The brewer recommends Chicken and Waffles… how do you say no to that?