94 Smoked Frog Porter, Issaquah Brewhouse (OR). 8% ABV (1/09)
Black with reddish tan head. Slim Jim and baker’s chocolate aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-full body with excellent smoothness and depth of flavor. Finishes with a long dried fruit, roasted nut and smoldering ember fade. Nicely balanced smokiness makes this a pleasure to drink; a must try beer for Cuban sandwiches or smoked Gouda.
93 Black Butte XXI, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown color. Aromas of marinated jalapeño peppers and cacao shells follow through on a round, velvety entry to a fruity medium-full body with lots of milk chocolate, tropical fruit and flavored coffee notes. Finishes with a long, tangy chocolate-covered citrus peels and nuts and peppery spice fade. Interesting and fun; try with mole.
92 Smoked Porter, Stone Brewing Co. (CA). 5.9% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown with a copper cast. Interesting lightly smoky peat moss and chocolate-covered nut aromas follow through on a round, very supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with hints of dried fruit and earthy hops on the gentle flowing finish. Very nice with admirably restrained and balanced smokiness.
91 Samuel Adams Honey Porter, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (1/10)
Copper brown color with a fine manila mousse. Aromas of honey-roasted and caramelized nuts follow through on a round, satiny entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with cocoa-dusted dried fruit notes. Finishes with a long, tangy honeyed citrus, coffee and astringent roasted nut fade. A very tasty porter.
91 Coconut Porter, Maui Brewing Co. (HI). 5.7% ABV (1/08)
Dark brown black color. Aromas of Almond Joy bars. A very smooth, velvety entry leads to a milky, dryish medium body of dark toast, toasted coconuts and dark artisan chocolate with a creamy mocha coconut milkshake like fade. A fun and easy drinking porter with a unique flavor; serve as cheesecake.
90 Black Butte XX, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (1/09)
Black brown color. Aromas of chocolate fudge sundaes (with nuts) and frappuccinos follow through on a thick, chewy entry to a fruity full body with prune and raisin puree notes. Finishes with a long, syrupy roasted walnut and chocolate coffee fudge fade. A decadent, almost dessert beer-like treat to sip in small doses.
89 Pipeline Coffee Porter, Kona Brewing Co. (HI). 5.2% ABV (1/09)
Dark russet brown color. Chocolate-covered coffee bean and sour cherry aromas follow through on a round creamy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with chocolate pudding and roasted nut notes. Finishes with a crisp yet creamy latte-like fade. Nice.
88 Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 6.5% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown with a copper cast and lacy bone-white head. Aromas of vanilla latte and chocolate-covered peaches follow through on a round and rather crisp entry to a dryish medium body with dark toast and golden raisin compote notes. Finishes with a deft touch of vanilla nut fudge and honeyed citrus-like hops. A zesty, balanced and easy drinking, lightly flavored porter.
87 Mocha Porter, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.3% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown color with an interesting copper olive cast and fine taupe mousse. Rich aromas of mocha, nuts and peppery pheasant jerky follow through on a round, silky entry to a dryish medium body with savory salinity and a mouthwatering roasted coffee and baker’s chocolate-accented fade. A nice choice for grilled meats.
86 VIP Vanilla Porter, Hop Valley Brewing Co. (OR). 5.8% ABV (1/10)
Dark brown color. Rich aromas of chocolate-covered apricots and vanilla fudge follow through on a round, soft entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with good fruity depth and a tangy mildly citrus, nuts and chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream-accented fade.
84 Honey Mint Porter, North Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 7.5% ABV (1/09) %{Brewpub}
Reddish mahogany color. Interesting aromas of chocolate mint and coriander follow through on a round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with mincemeat pie and lemon marmalade notes. Finishes with a tangy, spice, mint leaf-accented fade. Different.
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