Published May 2007
Our French Roast and Leftist blends are making their microbrew debuts in the new "Kaffinator" Double Espresso Bock from hometown brewery Ithaca Beer Company.
Kaffinator Debut
We recently delivered pounds of beans and buckets of shots to our neighborhood brewery for the creation of Kaffinator Double Espresso Bock. The result is a brisk micro-batch breakfast lager with assertive flavors of mocha and toast. For a limited time while supplies last, you can buy Kaffinator in Ithaca or Brooklyn. Kaffinator comes in hefty 750ml bottles — so why not start your day with a friend, a bottle, and two straws?
Where to Find It
In Ithaca, NY
- Ithaca Beer Company
- Finger Lakes Beverage Center
In Brooklyn, NY
A Barista's Tale
To give Kaffinator its powerful kick, Ithaca Beer Company brewed in 25 pounds of French Roast beans, then added a whopping 3 gallons of Leftist espresso right before bottling. Our barista trainer Erin McCarthy pulled the 200 fresh espresso shots we needed. Here's what she has to say about it:
"I was given the task of pulling three gallons of espresso, which some baristas (hey Brooklyn!) pull daily in the first few hours of their shift. It took about three hours, and my efficiency was greatly enhanced by resident mechanical genius Tomas Reyer. In about 5 minutes, he rigged up my station so that the espresso could flow directly from portafilter to bucket.
Three hours and three gallons of espresso later, I had the Gimme! contribution to the creation of the Kaffinator carefully seat-belted into the passenger seat of my car."
The espresso was poured in just before bottling.The result is a dark colored beer with killer aroma, flavors of mocha and toast, and an experienced finish.
Ithaca Beer Company
Kaffinator is part of IBC's Excelsior series, a premium lineup of hand-crafted specialty beers, issued in extremely limited runs. They meld complimentary flavors while defying existing style guidelines. These beers are lovingly hand-packaged and bottle-conditioned. Each one is alive, has a unique personality and may be cellared indefinitely.
Ithaca Beer Company opened its brewery in December of 1998. With a small staff comprised of the most dedicated Ithaca Beer drinkers in Central New York, IBC has created a roster of craft-brewed beers that reflect the spirit of the Finger Lakes.