95 2008 Imperial Porter, Rogue Ales (OR). 8.2% ABV (3/09)
Deep opaque brown color. Aromas of baker’s chocolate, coffee and burnt pumpernickel toast follow through on a supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with molasses and brown butter notes. Finishes with a lovely dark roasted nut and grain fade. A very nicely-balanced imperial porter that sets the bar for the style.
94 Grand Baltic Porter, Garrison Brewing Co. (Canada). 9% ABV (1/09)
Dark reddish brown. Interesting aroma of honey, pomegranate, molasses and sour cherry jam follow through perfectly on a round supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry, medium body with granola and cherry notes prominent. Finishes with a very long, cocoa-dusted nut fade. A superb flavored porter.
92 Badder Elmer’s Baltic Porter, Upland Brewing (IN). 6.6% ABV (1/10)
Medium brown color with an amber cast. Subtle aromas of roasted pecan and cocoa have a faint roasted meat edge and follow through on a gentle entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with chocolate-covered raisin and citrus. Delicate spice notes on the smooth, creamy, grain-accented finish. A well-balanced, very drinkable interpretation of the style.
90 Imperial Porter, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 7.5% ABV (1/10)
Deep russet brown amber color with a saffron rim. Aromas of dark roasted nuts, grain and burnt sugar follow through on a supple, smooth entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with caramelized dried fruit and peppery spice notes. Finishes with a long, chewy rye flour and mashed raisin fade with light mossy hops. Very nice and begging for food.
89 Porter, Zywiec Brewery (Poland). 9.5% ABV (12/07)
Opaque brown black color with a lacey tan head. Spicy toasted caraway rye bread, toffee and borscht aromas. A bold, frothy entry leads to an off-dry medium-to-full body of toffee, pickled beets, roasted nuts and peppery spice flavors. Finishes with long, charred nut and toffee fade with a hint of hay and soap. A great food beer for hearty stews.
88 Leviathan Baltic Porter, Harpoon Brewery (MA). 9.5% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown copper color. Rich roasted grain, toasty baguette and salty nut aromas have a touch of earth and clay and follow through on a round, satiny entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with a lash of boozy apple brandy and peppery spice. Finishes with a warming, roasted nut and bread fade. Interesting, big and blustery.
88 Imperial Porter, Full Sail Brewing Co. (OR). 7.5% ABV (1/10)
Opaque inky brown black color with a swirl of tan gray foam. Aromas of baker’s chocolate and dark caramel follow through on a smooth creamy entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with great balance and integration. Finishes with refreshing nut, coffee bean and crisp, astringent hop snap.
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