Spotted Cow is a legendary beer that has captured the hearts of beer enthusiasts nationwide. Known for its unique flavor profile and smooth drinkability, it’s a go-to choice for many. However, it’s not always easy to find – especially if you’re outside of Wisconsin. So, what to do when you have a hankering for a beer like Spotted Cow but can’t get your hands on it?
Fear not, fellow beer connoisseurs! In this blog post, we’ll explore five alternative beers that offer similar taste profiles and characteristics to Spotted Cow. We’ll dive into the origins and brewing methods for each, giving you a deeper understanding of what makes these beers so special. The beers we’ll be discussing are:
1. Bell’s Oberon Ale
2. New Glarus Moon Man
3. Three Floyds Gumballhead
4. Allagash White
5. Dogfish Head Namaste White
1. Bell’s Oberon Ale
Origin and Brew Method
Bell’s Oberon Ale is a classic American wheat ale brewed by Bell’s Brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. First introduced in 1992, this beer is a summer staple for many Midwesterners. Brewed with a mix of malted barley and wheat, Oberon Ale is fermented with Bell’s signature house ale yeast, which imparts its distinctive fruity and spicy character.
Flavor Profile
Like Spotted Cow, Bell’s Oberon Ale is a refreshing, easy-drinking beer that’s perfect for warm weather. It features a slightly fruity aroma with hints of citrus, followed by a smooth, malty flavor with a touch of wheaty sweetness. The finish is clean and crisp, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a beer similar to Spotted Cow.
2. New Glarus Moon Man
Origin and Brew Method
New Glarus Moon Man is another offering from the same brewery that brought us Spotted Cow. Brewed in New Glarus, Wisconsin, Moon Man is a sessionable pale ale that showcases the brewery’s commitment to quality and innovation. Like Spotted Cow, Moon Man is brewed with a blend of malted barley and wheat, but it also incorporates a variety of American hops for added complexity.
Flavor Profile
While Moon Man is a pale ale rather than a farmhouse ale like Spotted Cow, it shares a similar smoothness and drinkability. The beer features a bright, citrusy hop aroma with a hint of pine, followed by a crisp, clean malt backbone. The finish is dry and slightly bitter, making it a great alternative for Spotted Cow fans looking for something with a bit more hop character.
3. Three Floyds Gumballhead
Origin and Brew Method
Three Floyds Gumballhead is an American wheat ale brewed by the renowned Three Floyds Brewing in Munster, Indiana. First introduced in 2006, Gumballhead is brewed with a blend of malted barley and red wheat, as well as Amarillo hops, which lend a distinctive citrusy, tropical fruit character to the beer.
Flavor Profile
Gumballhead shares Spotted Cow’s smooth, wheaty base, but it also offers a unique hoppy twist. The beer’s aroma is bursting with notes of grapefruit, orange, and mango, while the flavor is a delicate balance of sweet malt, wheat, and fruity hops. The finish is crisp and refreshing, making Gumballhead an excellent alternative for fans of Spotted Cow who enjoy a bit of hoppy flair.
4. Allagash White
Origin and Brew Method
Allagash White is a Belgian-style witbier brewed by Allagash Brewing Company in Portland, Maine. Inspired by the traditional wheat beers of Belgium, Allagash White is brewed with a mix of malted and unmalted wheat, as well as a blend of spices, including coriander and Curacao orange peel. The beer is fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, which imparts a characteristic fruity, spicy quality.
Flavor Profile
While Allagash White is a different style than Spotted Cow, it shares a similar smooth, wheaty character and refreshing drinkability. The beer’s aroma features notes of citrus, spice, and a hint of banana, while the flavor is a complex interplay of sweet wheat, zesty citrus, and subtle spice. The finish is crisp and effervescent, making Allagash White a delightful alternative for Spotted Cow enthusiasts.
5. Dogfish Head Namaste White
Origin and Brew Method
Dogfish Head Namaste White is a Belgian-style witbier brewed by Dogfish Head Craft Brewery in Milton, Delaware. Like Allagash White, Namaste White is brewed with a blend of malted and unmalted wheat, along with spices such as coriander and orange peel. However, Dogfish Head adds a unique twist by incorporating lemongrass and dried organic orange slices for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
Flavor Profile
Namaste White shares Spotted Cow’s smooth, wheaty foundation, but it also offers a distinctive array of fruity and spicy flavors. The beer’s aroma is a lively mix of citrus, spice, and herbal notes, while the flavor is a refreshing blend of sweet wheat, zesty orange, and subtle coriander. The finish is clean and bright, making Namaste White a fantastic option for those seeking a beer similar to Spotted Cow with a touch of Belgian flair.
Conclusion
While there’s no denying the unique charm of Spotted Cow, these five alternative beers showcase a similar smooth, wheaty character and refreshing drinkability. Each beer offers its own unique twist on the style, from the citrusy hop notes of Three Floyds Gumballhead to the traditional Belgian flavors of Allagash White and Dogfish Head Namaste White.
So, the next time you find yourself craving a Spotted Cow but can’t seem to track it down, give one of these delicious alternatives a try. You might just discover a new favorite. My personal recommendation would be Bell’s Oberon Ale, as it captures the essence of Spotted Cow while offering its own distinct character. Cheers!
FAQs
Why is spotted Cow beer illegal?
Spotted Cow beer is not illegal. It is a popular beer brand produced by New Glarus Brewing Company, but it is only available for purchase in the state of Wisconsin, as the brewery has chosen not to distribute its products outside of the state. This decision is primarily due to the limited production capacity of the brewery and the desire to maintain the quality and freshness of their beer.
Is Spotted Cow beer an IPA?
No, Spotted Cow beer is not an IPA. It is a farmhouse ale or a cream ale style beer brewed by New Glarus Brewing Company in Wisconsin.
What beer is similar to spotted Cow beer?
A beer that is similar to Spotted Cow beer is Moon Man by New Glarus Brewing Company. It is also a Wisconsin-based beer with a similar smooth and drinkable profile, featuring a balanced combination of malt and hops.
What kind of drink is a spotted Cow?
A Spotted Cow is a type of beer. It is a cream ale that is brewed by the New Glarus Brewing Company in Wisconsin, USA.
What style of beer is spotted Cow?
Spotted Cow is a style of beer known as a cream ale.
Is spotted Cow a cream ale?
Yes, Spotted Cow is indeed a cream ale.
