Porter

91 Taddy Porter, Samuel Smith’s Old Brewery (England). 5% ABV (1/09)
Brown-black color. Dark roasted nuts, baker’s chocolate and dried ham aromas follow through on a rich, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with subtle notes of earth and coffee bean. Finishes with a long, dry roasted grain and toffee. Superbly drinkable and flavorful porter that is classic in style.

91 Midnight Sun Porter, Williams Bros. Brewing Co. (Scotland). 5.6% ABV (1/09)
Opaque black brown color. Deeply spicy aromas of cocoa, herbal bark and fresh peat follow through on a rich, round entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with coriander and dried citrus notes prominent. Finishes with a long, cocoa spice fade with a mossy earthiness underneath. Very interesting; pair with wild pig or traditional Christmas pudding.

91 London Style Porter, Propeller Brewing Co. (Canada). 5% ABV (12/07)
Deep brown-black color. Roasted nut and grain aromas have a talc edge. A smooth and balanced entry leads to a rich dry full body with cocoa, tobacco and nutty malt flavors and a long lingering fade. An outstanding food beer for meats and marinades.

90 Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Great Lakes Brewing Co. (OH). 5.8% ABV (12/07)
Deep mahogany color. Charred nuts and creamy caramel aromas display a slight resiny, hoppy note. A round, frothy entry leads to a dryish medium body of roasted grains, charred nuts, baker’s chocolate and light dried citrus. Finishes with a long, smooth roasted nut and cocoa fade. Great smoothness, depth and balance.

89 Samuel Adams Holiday Porter, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.8% ABV (1/09)
Deep mahogany brown color. Fragrant aromas of chocolate-covered apricots and cherries follow through on a smooth supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body with excellent carbonation and balance and a note of banana taffy. Finishes with a delicate cocoa-spice fade and balancing roasted nut astringency.

89 Porter, Swan Lake Beer (Japan). 6% ABV (2/07)
Opaque dark brown color with a reddish tint. Intense coffee, burnt sugar and toffeed pecan aromas. A brisk entry leads to a dry light-to medium body of mocha, roasted nuts, chocolate-covered raisin flavors. Finishes with a tart, dried orange, baker’s chocolate and coffee fade. A very pleasant and drinkable, mocha-accented porter.

89 Nefarious Ten Pin Imperial Porter, Ska Brewing (CO). 8% ABV (1/07)
Deep brown-black color. Dark roasted nut aromas. Smooth supple and clean entry, medium-full bodied with rich dark caramel, dried peaches and coffee bean flavors with a long and mild finish. Very tasty.

88 Flag Porter, Darwin (England). 5% ABV (12/07)
Deep mahogany brown color. Sweet toffee and candied fruit aromas are reminiscent of Christmas cake and follow through to a supple, creamy and dryish medium-to-full body of cocoa, tangy nuts and raisins. Finishes with a dry, even, delicately astringent fade.

88 Black Butte Porter, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 5.2% ABV (1/09)
Ruddy dark mahogany color. Milk chocolate pudding, orange and toast aromas follow through on a soft, brisk entry to a dryish light-to-medium body with toasted grain and faint sautéed root vegetable notes. Finishes with a smooth dark chocolate, nut and earthy hops fade. Nicely styled and very drinkable.

87 Old-Style Porter, St. Peter’s Brewery (England). 5% ABV (12/07)
Dark brown color. Dark chocolate fudge, wet grain, red clay and straw mat aromas. A smooth, supple entry leads to a dryish medium-to-full body of chocolate-covered dates and loam flavors with a creamy cocoa, nut and wood-accented fade. Interesting blend of chocolate and earthy flavors.

87 Mission Point Porter, North Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 5.4% ABV (1/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep mahogany brown color with a reddish tint. Chocolate soufflé and toasted nut aromas follow through on a very crisp entry to a frothy medium body with notes of molasses and malt vinegar. Finishes with a tangy, angular, dried citrus and unsweetened chocolate fade. Almost lager-like in its vibrancy; should match nicely with grilled meats.

87 Bad Elmer’s Porter, Upland Brewing (IN). 4.7% ABV (1/09)
Opaque cloudy dark brown color with a lacy taupe head. Aromas of baker’s cocoa and toasted nuts are toffee-like. Supple entry, medium-bodied with roasted grain, carob custard and nut skin flavors. Finishes with an astringent dried lemon tinged finish.

86 Ten Pin Porter, Ska Brewing (CO). 5.4% ABV (1/07)
Dark russet brown amber color. Sweet caramelized brown sugar aromas display a hint of cardboard. A lively entry leads to a dryish light-to-medium body of raisin, chocolate-covered citrus and light spice. Finishes with a tangy, mildly astringent, bittering hops fade.

86 Porter, The Pump Room (Singapore). 4.5% ABV (1/08) %{Brewpub}
Deep reddish mahogany color with a tan head. Tangy aromas of dried apples, pears, grilled citrus and hot chocolate froth. A smooth velvety entry leads to a dryish medium-full body of toasted rye, dried fruit and roasted walnut flavors with a crisp bitter hops an nut fade and a nice mouthwatering quality that will work well with grilled swordfish.

85 Pacemaker Porter, Flyer’s Restaurant & Brewery (WA). 5% ABV (1/07)
Dark brown-black color. Dark caramel, roasted nuts and dried citrus aromas. A firm, lightly frothy entry leads to a bone-dry medium body of blackened toast, charred nuts and stony minerality with a touch of vegetables. Finishes rather quickly with a hint of baker’s chocolate. Very dry, verging on austere in style.

84 John Sleeman Presents: Fine Porter, Sleeman Brewing & Malting Co. (Canada). 5.5% ABV (12/07)
Deep mahogany color with a lacy white head. Roasted grain, dishrag and mocha aromas. A brisk frothy entry leads to a dryish medium body with a hint of dried fruit and charred nuts. Crisp, charred bread fade with solid astringency from the hops. Refreshing.

83 Michelob Brown Porter, Michelob Brewing Co. (MO). 5.9% ABV (12/07)
Very commercial zesty, light and highly carbonated, highly drinkable though.