The town where I was born is nicknamed “Little Sweden” because the overwhelming majority of its people are descended from its original settlers from Värmland province in Sweden. The town hosts Svensk Hyllningsfest to celebrate that heritage and you’ll see the traditional Dala horses everywhere. Fika, a milk/sweet stout with coffee, hazelnut, and cinnamon, spoke to me immediately. The can design shows Dala horses, and its name alludes to the traditional Swedish coffee break similar to English tea time in which coworkers, family, or friends can gather over a few delicious pastries and a comforting beverage to chat and relax. During these times of pandemic and division, that sounds pretty ideal – and this beer is pretty ideal, too.
Brewery: Beer Tree Brewing Co. (Port Crane, NY)
Rating: 97/100
Comments: Fika pours a dark brown, nearly black color with light brown head. The aroma is strong with coffee, cinnamon, and a little bit of chocolate, and hazelnut. It’s slightly roasty and earthy and it’s one of those smells that you want to wake up to. It’s a bit sweet at first, with tons of chocolate, but then it starts tasting a bit chile-like from the cinnamon, and coffee brings the flavor home. This beer is…well, exactly the type of beer I really love. Absolutely fantastic!
PINT JOURNAL 