Dawn had just broken, the mist still lingered on the treetops of Atlantic Highlands, somewhere in a warm room, the crackling sound of roasting coffee beans mixed with the sweet aroma of freshly brewed malt. That was the fateful moment when the idea of Regular Coffee - the brainchild of Carton Brewing – cried out at birth, not like a regular cup of coffee, nor like any beer the world had ever known.
This is not simply a blend of ingredients, but a perfect marriage between two cultures of enjoyment - the alertness of coffee and the intoxication of beer. Regular Coffee invites you on an unusual sensory journey: sometimes as gentle as the whisper of caramel, sometimes as strong as the deep notes of dark roasted coffee beans, all blending together on a characteristic smooth creamy body.
In a world full of safe choices, Regular Coffee dare to be different, dare to challenge, and most importantly – dare to be undeniably delicious. It's not just a drink, but a statement from the brewers at Carton Brewing: the only boundary is endless creativity. And now, the only question for you is: Are you ready for this experience?
1. Carton Brewing Company: A Glass Journey Filled with Inspiration
Year 2011, when the morning dew still lingers on the small streets of Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, two kindred spirits Augie Carton and Jesse Ferguson ignited the fire of passion with the name Carton Brewing Company. Starting out as a small brewery, they had big dreams - where every drop of beer was not just a drink, but also a love song of creation.
1.1. Shining Milestones
Year 2013, the craft beer world was shaken with the birth of Regular Coffee – a groundbreaking, transformative masterpiece. Cream Ale Traditional beer becomes a bold adventure with the rich aroma of local coffee and the captivating ABV 12%. This is more than just a glass of beer; it's a sunrise in a sip – for dreamers and those who dare to experiment.
From 2015 to 2020, Carton spread its wings far and wide, conquering neighboring states like New York, Pennsylvania, and appearing in prestigious magazines like BeerAdvocate, Paste Magazine. Then in 2022, they marked their journey 10 years with a special beer series - as a sweet thank you to the hearts that have accompanied us.
1.2. Brand Philosophy: Homeland Breath
Carton is not just a brewery, it is The painting is full of New Jersey soul. Name “Carton” is a tribute to the packaging industry that has made history in this land. Each of their products is imbued with the spirit of “breaking the rules”, combining the essence of local cuisine into each flavor, making the enjoyer feel like lost in a secret garden of emotions.
2. Regular Coffee: When Beer and Coffee Become Fate
The idea of Regular Coffee emerged as a fortuitous collision between tradition and innovation. Instead of following the beaten path of the previous Light Cream Ale, Carton decided to fan the flames of passion by combining local artisan roasted coffee (the supplier’s name is being clarified), raising the alcohol content to a sexy 12%. This is the gift for high-end craft beer lovers – those who are not afraid to indulge in unique experiences.
Carton Brewing Company doesn't just brew beer – they brew stories in each barrel, so that every time you raise a glass, you can see a miniature New Jersey sky sparkling in it...
2.1. A Cream Ale, But Not a Cream Ale
If the lines Traditional Cream Ale If it is a gentle country song, then Regular Coffee by Carton Brewing is a bold and charming symphony. The base is Cream Ale (according to BJCP standards), but it has been raised to Imperial level with an alcohol content of 12% - a number that makes everyone surprised. And then, the appearance of premium coffee has turned it into a masterpiece. "hermaphrodite": both gentle as the early morning and passionate as a sleepless night.
2.2. Identification Features: Color and Emotion
- Color: From deep gold to amber brown, like the sunset shimmering on a fragile glass. From clear to slightly opaque, suggesting a bit of mystery.
- Alcohol content (ABV): 12% – a tight hug of yeast, far from the traditional Cream Ale (only 4–5.5%).
- Bitterness (IBU): Only 20–30 IBU, enough to recognize the elegant bitterness of coffee, mixed with the sweetness of caramel and toast from malt.
- Body: Medium to Full-bodied, lingering on the palate with a creamy, smooth feel – like a thick latte, but… beer!
- Malt flavor: Sweet as melted caramel, with a hint of freshly baked bread.
- Coffee flavor: Rich, roasty, but not too burnt – reminiscent of beans roasted by local artisans.
- Finish: Sweet, possibly with hints of vanilla or cream (if lactose is used), leaving a lingering smile.
2.3. Note: Don't Get Confused!
- The biggest difference from regular Cream Ale: Sky-high ABV and presence of coffee – like a spectacular “transformation”.
- Is it easily confused with Coffee Stout/Porter? Not at all! Regular Coffee has a lighter body and brighter color, but still retains its distinct richness.
Regular Coffee It’s more than just a beer – it’s a multi-sensory experience, a story about Carton Brewing’s daring to innovate. One sip, and you’ll understand why it captivates so many hearts…
3. The Art of Enjoying Regular Coffee: A Dance of Emotions
3.1. Temperature & Beer Glass: When Cold Meets Passion
Let Regular Coffee shine at 8–12°C – just cold enough for the layers of sweet caramel and rich coffee to blend together, like an autumn love song. Too cold (<6°C) will numb the senses, obscuring its complex beauty. On the contrary, if too warm (>14°C), the alcohol content of 12% will rise strongly, like a hasty fire burning away the sophistication.
- Pint Glass/Nonic/Tumbler: The classic glass, perfectly chilled, allows you to sip and feel the smooth creamy flavor spread.
- Snifter/Tulip Glass: If you want to immerse yourself in the foreplay of aromas, choose these glasses – they are like a stage set for the sweet malt and dark roasted coffee aromas to rise up, captivating the sense of smell before touching the lips.
- Taboo: Metal cups or straight from the bottle – you don't want to kill the romance of a masterpiece?
3.2. Food: Companions
Regular Coffee Not just a drink, but the main character in a party of flavors. Invite it with:
- Breakfast/Brunch: Crispy waffles, pancakes covered with maple syrup – sweet as the morning sun, blending with the taste of beer like a choir.
- Dessert: Smooth tiramisu, slightly bitter dark chocolate, or rich cheesecake – all will deepen the aftertaste of beer.
- Savory dishes: Crispy bacon, creamy brie/camembert cheese – a seemingly paradoxical yet surprisingly perfect combination.
- Note: Avoid dishes that are too spicy or sour – they will wash away all the subtleties like a storm.
3.3. Occasion: Memorable Moments
- Morning/Brunch: Instead of your usual cup of coffee, let Regular Coffee wake you up with the energy of caffeine and yeast. A new day begins with excitement and warmth.
- Dessert party: When dinner is over, raise your glass as a sweet farewell, letting the flavors of beer and coffee embrace your taste buds one last time.
- Cold winter: Its high ABV and warm aroma will wrap around your soul like a woolen blanket, dispelling the cold outside.
Regular Coffee It's more than just a drink – it's an experience to be cherished. Take your time, let each drop tell you the story of Carton Brewing's boundless creativity.
4. Conclusion: Craft Beer Filled With Passion
Regular Coffee not just a bottle of beer – it is a passionate love song between tradition and innovation, the sunset dyeing each drop of amber gold. Carton Brewing has bravely broken all the stereotypes, transforming a light Cream Ale into a charming Imperial masterpiece with 12% alcohol content and rich coffee aroma. Each sip of beer is a journey from warm caramel sweetness, through deep roasted coffee notes, to a gentle vanilla aftertaste – like the last note lingering on the palate.
This is a drink for dreamers, those who dare to enjoy beer at early morning instead of coffee, or toasted between desserts as a lingering farewell. Regular Coffee proves that boundaries are an illusion – when passion is strong enough, beer can become true art.
Let your soul slowly immerse in each layer of flavor, and feel the handmade love that Carton brews into each barrel of beer. By glass Regular Coffee The most beautiful thing is not when you reach the bottom, but when it makes your heart sobbing…
