TTB is not likely to allow anything labeled as “energy beer” anytime soon. But that doesn’t mean there is any shortage of beer tinged with caffeine. Notwithstanding the demise of Sparks and Tilt, there is a big upsurge in beers with added caffeine, guarana, tea, yerba mate — and coffee. Today, coffee.
Pipeline Porter is made with 100% Hawaiian Kona Coffee according to the label.
Joe is brewed with coffee, by Philadelphia Brewing Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Yeti is stout aged on oak chips with coffee added. The front label pretty much suggests serving it with breakfast.
None of these labels mention energy, stimulants, caffeine, or the amount of caffeine, so the consumer is left to guess. My grandpa Joe never dreamed of beer mixed with coffee or any other alcohol beverage that would perk him up.
Energy Beer
About Author
Robert C. Lehrman is the principal attorney at Lehrman Beverage Law, PLLC. Robert founded the firm in 2001 after 12 years at the Washington, DC office of a larger firm that specializes in federal and state administrative law. From 1998...... Read Full Bio
According to Beer Advocate Magazine (Issue XI, Volume II), the Pipeline Porter shown above has only 2mg of caffeine per 12oz. A few other brands mentioned are Lagunitas’ Cappucino Stout, which has about 50 to 100mg of caffeine per 22oz, LuvBuzz’s Espresso Stout at about 120mg per 16oz, and Perkulator’s Coffee Doppelbock at about 65 to 81mg per 12oz.
Do you know if any of these beers are available in NC?