Mason Ale Works Cash

Nice can design, speaks quality and I listen. Black as Oceanside at midnight; the head is a tidal wave poured too quickly. Pronounced nose is neither malt nor coffee, but a sumptuous symphony of the two. Slightly sweet, the taste is velvety and luxurious, more stout than espresso with a clean, long-lasting aftertaste. We paired it with pot-au-feu, a rich beef dish served over rice, with seeded bread and with chipotle-infused chocolate and dried figs for dessert. Big dinner for a small amount of Cash.

Charles Finkel is founder of Merchant du Vin and the Pike Brewing Co. Finkel is a pioneer in the marketing of beers in America.

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Ohhh, such a rich brown sudsy foam. I lust after this even before trying it. Nutty, roasty, cocoa and coffee aromas phhhwoosh from the glass. And the flavor? Whoa-ho, this one has it. I love straight espresso made well. This one has all the elements of a complex espresso, with balanced bitterness, cocoa flavors, roast and sublime earthiness. This one most definitely deserves being served alongside exceptional desserts. I can pass on that after-meal espresso and have Cash ICS take its place. Can’t wait for that dessert.

Charlie Papazian is the author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing, founder of the Great American Beer Festival and national beer examiner at examiner.com. Papazian is a leading voice in beer and brewing.

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