Taproom Talk

There are few Porters I consider excellent– in fact, until this evening, there were only two such beers that this snob would consider as worthy: Breckenridge’s Vanilla and the Alaskan Smoked. I am here to tell you, ladies, gentlemen, and Beast drinkers that the Highland Brewery has brewed a doozy of an Oatmeal Porter!

The Oatmeal Porter poured a rich chocolaty color with a nice tan lacing that lapped the sides of my chalice during the entire drinking; the nose was a pleasant maltiness with slight coffee hints followed by a faint vanilla essence that begged me to imbibe. The taste is all Porter with an elegant background of subtle vanilla and malts, producing a pleasant taste much lighter than Breckenridge’s but nicely complemented by a crispy Oatmeal essence found in fine stouts. The finish was also crisp and playful, leaving me eager to take another sip (and another too).

Highland’s Porter aged a good six months in my cellar, which most likely calmed this fine beer and prepared it for my eventual drinking– indeed, I’m tempted to declare this fine beer as worthy of joining the likes of excellent Porters. The next time you’re offered an Oatmeal Porter from Highland, vociferously declare that this is a grand Highland and demand another three to wash the first down. Then thank me.

Not long ago, I wrote about the Breckenridge Christmas Ale in a most unflattering manner. The beer’s showing was so poor that I had essentially written off the Breckenridge Brewery– in fact, I had seen their Vanilla Porter a number of times since tasting the Christmas Ale and ignored it. That all changed a few nights ago, in what could have been a moment of weakness; however, it turned out to be pure genius. Breckenridge’s Vanilla Porter is outstanding!

This fine ale poured a dark brownish true porter color with a light head that dissipated quickly, leaving a slight tan lacing. The real essence of this beer, however, is its fine nose, which is pleasantly sweet vanilla with hints of burnt malts. The taste is equally as nice with elegant hints of vanilla much like that of a cream soda. There are traces of caramel too in its taste, which can easily complement a tasty dessert. The finish is also endowed with vanilla, in such a manner as to leave you eager to taste another sip.

I must say that I find the Breckenridge Vanilla Porter a remarkable find and I can assure you that this particular beer won’t last long in my fridge.

Smuttynose Robust Porter didn’t take me by storm when I saw it on tap. I half reluctantly (I say half because how could I be reluctact to try a new beer?!?!?!) asked for it at a multi-tapped pool hall I drop by from time to time.

The first sip sent my head spinning. It was a waterfall of delicious smokiness with chocolate undertones. The porter blew me away. I must admit that I underestimated this killer beer from New England. I’m partial to stouts and didn’t believe that a porter could deliver such full bodied complexity. Its chickory aroma blends perfectly with its sweet smoky taste. The flavor is like a delicious dark chocolate with a caramel aftertaste.

My excitement grows to try more Smuttynose.

Here are pictures.  Check back for a podcast from the event.

Ybor Gold’s Gaspar’s Porter poured a dark brownish color with a small white head that clung to the sides of the glass over time. The smell was the pleasant sweetness of malts with hints of espresso. Gaspar’s taste was surprisingly light with a date-like sweet flavor, which was complemented by a fruity finish.

As opposed to the hoppy bitterness of Pale Ales or IPAs, porters tend to rely heavily on malts for a sweet and toasty taste. As such, these beers tend to be much darker than their counterparts. This could be why I was a bit surprised by the less than deep darkness I was looking for when I poured this porter. The taste, however, matched the beer’s relative light color- it was friendly, in the sense that those new to porters would probably find this beer pleasant.

Unfortunately, I’ve enjoyed the fine taste of Smoked Porter from the Alaskan Brewing Company, where the taste is extremely bold and toasty. This is what a porter should taste like. If you are new to porters, give Ybor Gold’s Gaspar’s Porter a try. As for me, light porters are enjoyable; however, I’ll be passing on this friendly porter for more interesting tastes in the future.

In a dirty poolhall, seemingly left for abandon, I spied a gem on tap. Through the smog of poolchalk dust and cigarette smoke, my eyes locked on to Stone Smoked Porter.

This is a delicious porter with an unceasing caramel head. It is not too sweet, a problem I find with almost all smoked porters. Completely pallatable, with a great aftertaste, S.S.P. is a bold beer that is completely pleasing. This beer was perfect company to an evening of flirting around the poolhall. It’s easy to forget that l’m drinking as I cruise the bar or relax in a comfy chair. A completely balanced chickory aroma and evenly rounded delicious taste make this porter #1 in my book. Not to sound to pretentious, but I marvel at the flavor and balance of this perfect porter.