17 of the Best Cream Ales, Blind-Tasted and Ranked

Learn about how we rate & review beers with our BJCP blind panel here


Dust Bowl Brewing Co. California Line Vanilla Blonde Ale (79)

“A crisp, refreshing blonde ale perfect for our California climate. An addition of vanilla beans to the finished beer gives this relatively sweet ale a mild vanilla aroma and flavor reminiscent of cream soda.”

Sun King Brewing Orange Vanilla Sunlight Cream Ale (84)

Combines smooth malt character with the flavors of vanilla and orange, all with a crisp, clean finish.

Urban Chestnut Brewing Company Chouuteau Joe (84)

“Dear Auguste Chouteau, founding father of The STL, we toast to you today with a blend of two Saint Louis beverages: coffee from Kaldi’s and beer from UCBC. If you were here to raise a glass with us, you’d find a ‘namesake brew’ of a cold-steeped, savory coffee and a rich, creamy stout ale.”

Rogue Ales & Spirits Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout (85)

“Ebony in color with a rich creamy head, earthy flavor, and a mellow, chocolate finish.”

Rogue Ales & Spirits Chocolate Stout (86)

“Ebony in color with a rich creamy head. An earthy flavor of oats and hops that gives way to a rich chocolate truffle finish.”

Brouwerij Dilewyns Vicaris Tripel (86)

“A creamy white head billows above a honey-gold-colored beer. The nose has notes of malt, vanilla, and spice while a full body and long finish are perfectly balanced by a fine, dry hops bite.”

AleSmith Brewing Co Speedway Stout Variant #2: Mostra Coffee & Coconut (87)

"This special edition of AleSmith’s signature imperial stout showcases unparalleled hints of rich chocolate, coconut, dark fruit and creamy sweetness, all interlaced with intoxicating whispers of Mostra Coffee – bestowing local artisanal flair suited to an imperial stout of this caliber."

Heavy Seas Beer Phantom Ship (87)

“Goldenrod in color with a dense head and creamy mouthfeel, this brew presents phenolic flavors of white pepper and peach skin from the warm fermentation, along with vanilla and subtle spiciness from the bourbon-barrel aging.”

Brouwerij Westmalle Tripel (87)

“A complex beer with a fruity aroma and a nuanced hops scent. It is soft and creamy in the mouth, with a bitter touch carried by the fruity aroma. And with a splendid long aftertaste.”

Civil Life Brewing Company Cream Ale (90)

Crisp, accessible, golden beer with low hop character and a clean finish.

Brewskey Pub & Taproom Cumulus (91)

“Oat cream pale ale with Citra and Galaxy (lactose).”

Anderson Valley Brewing Winter Solstice (91)

“Boasting a deep amber hue and rich mouthfeel, the creamy nish will lift your spirits. Hints of toffee, spice, and caramel tease the senses making this the perfect ale to share during the cold days and long nights of winter.”

Marin Brewing Co. San Quentin's Breakout Stout (91)

“The ultimate stout, this ale is big, rich, and malty. Our stout has a creamy texture unsurpassed by any of our other ales. Black in color, with a thick, long-lasting tan head. Its dark color and deep-roasted flavor come from the use of roasted and black barleys.”

Jackie O's Brewery Cool Beans (92)

This full-bodied golden ale delivers a rich and creamy mouthfeel married with a bright and fruity coffee character.

New Belgium Brewing Dayblazer (94)

“A refreshing golden ale, brewed with the finest malts and hops, giving a sweet, crisp citrus finish with just a hint of honey. Winner of the silver medal in the American-Style Cream Ale category at the 2018 Great American Beer Festival.”

Sun King Brewing Sunlight Cream Ale (95)

Balances smooth malt complexity with a crisp, clean finish.

Transient Artisan Ales Win Bigly (97)

“Imperial cream stout. Formerly known as ‘This is Neat.’”