What do you think of first when you hear the words “road runner”? Is it the cartoon bird, racing around and leaving a hapless coyote momentarily suspended in mid-air before gravity gets its way? Or maybe it’s the song by the Modern Lovers, blasting from your speakers as you imagine driving along some open highway? Whichever one popped into your head first probably says a lot about you. What it says, I’m not entirely sure, but it’s definitely something. Of course, now the folks over at Kehrwieder Brewery would probably prefer if their Road Runner Coffee Stout came to mind. They might not be outpacing animated birds just yet, but if their beer can back it up, they’ve got a shot.
This non-alcoholic stout combines two distinct flavours: beer and coffee. Sounds like an odd pairing? Well, let’s see how it holds up.
Appearance
As expected, Road Runner Coffee Stout pours a deep, rich mahogany that almost glows in the light. It’s the kind of beer that immediately looks robust and inviting, thanks in no small part to the freshly roasted coffee beans they use straight from their Hamburg brewery. The head is tan and creamy, forming slowly but sticking around long enough to leave a lasting impression. You get a good, solid pour with a head that lingers – promising a smooth drinking experience. First impressions here are definitely positive.
Aroma
The aroma is dominated by coffee, no question. It hits you right off the bat, bold and upfront. Now, I usually associate coffee with mornings and getting that first hit of caffeine for the day, so it’s a bit unusual to get those same sensory cues from a beer. But then again, this is a non-alcoholic brew, so I suppose if you really wanted to, you could crack one open with breakfast (though I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it). After that initial coffee punch, other aromas start to come through – particularly dark chocolate and toasted malt. There’s also a faint caramel sweetness in the background, likely from the roasted malts, adding some complexity to the nose.
Taste
Taking the first sip, you’re immediately greeted by a strong coffee bitterness. It’s a little intense at first, but as the flavours open up, the malts begin to assert themselves, creating a more balanced profile. There’s a smokiness that creeps in as well, adding another layer of depth. The coffee remains the dominant force throughout, but there’s just enough roasted malt and dark chocolate to keep it from becoming one-dimensional. It’s an interesting mix – like drinking a stout brewed by someone who really, really loves their coffee. If you’re into bold, dark brews, this could be right up your alley.
Mouthfeel
One of the standout features of this beer is its mouthfeel. For a non-alcoholic stout, it’s got that silky, slightly heavy texture you’d expect from a traditional stout, but without the cloying thickness that sometimes accompanies those richer beers. It’s smooth, with just the right amount of heft on the palate, and the moderate carbonation helps lift it, keeping it from feeling too weighty. It’s satisfying without being overwhelming, which makes it easy to sip at a leisurely pace.
Finish
The finish on Road Runner Coffee Stout is impressively long, with coffee and dark chocolate lingering well after the last sip. The bitterness from the coffee sticks around, but not in an unpleasant way – it’s more of a slow fade rather than a quick exit. It’s definitely a beer for slow sipping, as the finish develops and changes with each passing second. You’re left with a mellow, lingering aftertaste of roasted coffee beans and a hint of cocoa, making it a satisfying experience from start to finish.
Pairing Suggestions
The bold flavours of this stout mean it demands equally robust pairings. Barbecued meats, like ribs or a good beef brisket, would stand up nicely to the stout’s intensity, with the coffee bitterness cutting through the rich, smoky flavours. Hearty beef stews or chilli would also be a good match, as would desserts with coffee elements, like tiramisu or a chocolate lava cake. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you could even try it with breakfast pancakes – though I’ll leave that decision entirely up to you.
Overall Impressions of Road Runner Coffee Stout
I’ll admit, I wasn’t completely sold on the idea of mixing coffee and stout at first. While it’s not unheard of, the combination always seemed a bit niche to me, and I generally prefer my coffee in a cup, not in a pint glass. But after trying Road Runner Coffee Stout, I’m pleasantly surprised. The smoothness and body of the stout work well with the coffee flavours, and while the coffee notes are a bit too forward for my taste, they do mellow out as you sip, revealing a complex and enjoyable brew. It’s not an everyday drink for me, but for a non-alcoholic beer with some serious character, Kehrwieder have done a solid job here. If you’re into bold, coffee-forward flavours, this one’s worth a try.