The Beer Wrangler

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Archive for category Porter

Russell Black Death Porter

Mar 30

Posted by Wrangler in 3 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, British Columbia, Canada, Porter, Wrangler | 1 Comment

Wrangler Rating:

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Russell Black Death Porter is a terrific offering from a brewery that is best known for a rather mediocre cream ale. With their range of 650 ml ‘Brewmaster series’ they have definitely shown that they are more serious about beer than their 6-pack selections, sometimes suggest. This is a really rich and malty porter with a ton of black molasses , and a subtle note of hop, but it plays second fiddle to the delicious sweet, roasted flavours that dominate. The finish isn’t cloying though as there is just enough bitterness to balance it all out. All in all a very nice porter!

ABV: 6.5%

Best Served: 10°C

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Driftwood Brewery Blackstone Porter

Jan 6

Posted by Wrangler in 3 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, British Columbia, Canada, Porter, Wrangler | No Comments

Wrangler Rating:

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Driftwood’s Blackstone Porter is a very dark version of this classic beer that has its origins in 18th Century London. It is a completely opaque black in the glass, looking like a stout, and is made with a partial sour mash, similar to the method used for some Tennessee whiskies. This imparts a subtle tartness to the beer, making it less sweet than many Porters. The main flavours that come through are cocoa and coffee bean, and is followed by a smokey finish. There are vague notes of hop in the background, but they are bit part players, (a welcome break for some!) supporting the dark bitter-sweet malt that dominates. This would be great with smoked meats, or flame grilled pork.

ABV: 5.1%

Best Served: 12°C

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Swans Coconut Porter

Dec 1

Posted by Wranglerette in 3 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, British Columbia, Canada, Porter, Wranglerette | No Comments

coconut porterWrangler Rating:

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I have to admit that I’m bit torn about Swans Coconut Porter. I love a good porter and really enjoy porters that are layered with other flavours (Kona’s Pipeline Porter with coffee is my personal favourite) so when I saw this coconut porter I became very excited. This beer is very dark in colour with a frothy cappuccino colour head and a strong caramel malt nose with a hint of roasted coffee bean.  The flavour of dark bitter chocolate fills the mouth and slowly gives way to a toasted coffee aftertaste. Unfortunately (for me anyway) I don’t taste any coconut which, considering the reason I bought the beer was to try the coconut, is disappointing. That said, I think this beer stands well on its own as a porter and would taste great with some strong English cheddar

ABV: 5.5%

Best Served: 11°C

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Flying Dog Porter

Nov 3

Posted by Wrangler in 4 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, Colorado, Porter, United States, Wrangler | No Comments

flyingdogporter

Wrangler Rating:

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Flying Dog Porter comes from one of the most irreverent breweries around, with their “Good Beer, No Shit” motto, and anarchic Ralph Steadman artwork on the labels. The beer however, is mighty fine, and their porter will delight many a dark ale fan. Its colour is a rich black, with dark cherry highlights and a creamy tightly bubbled head. Sweet molasses and coffee bean dominate the aroma and the palate is also fairly full on. Burnt chocolate notes start off, and are followed by a nice molasses malt taste. This full-bodied porter’s flavour lingers on, creating a pleasant, long bitter-sweet finish. A well made porter that will pair nicely with a rich beef stew to keep out the winter cold.

ABV: 6%

Best Served: 11°C

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Marin Brewing Co. Point Reyes Porter

Oct 15

Posted by Wrangler in 4 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, California, Porter, United States, Wrangler | No Comments

marin-porter

Wrangler Rating:

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Marin Brewing Point Reyes Porter is a rich chocolate opaque brown and this is good indicator as to the flavour that follows the pour. Roasted coffee bean and dark cocoa are at the forefront here, and their rich bitterness is very satisfying and extremely moreish. There is a touch of chocolaty sweetness on the finish, but only enough to balance the enjoyable bitter notes that rounds this beer off nicely. This is a supremely drinkable porter that slips down without any trouble at all, so even the large 650 ml bottle seems to disappear far too quickly. Pair this with a dark chocolate dessert of some sort, or you could be adventurous and drink it with a rich chilli con carne!

ABV: 6%

Best Served: 11°C

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Okanagan Spring Porter

Sep 19

Posted by Wrangler in 4 Tankards, Ale, Baltic Porter, Beer review, British Columbia, Canada, Porter, Wrangler | No Comments

oksporter

Wrangler Rating:

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Okanagan Spring Porter is not labelled as a ‘Baltic’ Porter but it should be as it has plenty of power, strength and depth. This sipping beer is really full bodied, and flavoursome. The colour is a deep browny black with tiny red highlights if there is enough light to fight its way through the near opaque brew. There is an immediate punch of black molasses on the palate, and it is these notes that dominate right though to the finish. There are however, other flavours that have to force their way out, and those are of richly dried fruit, with prune leading the field. There are also delightful hints of spice on the finish, particularly clove. This feels like it will be too sweet at first, but the tastes mingle and develop into a rich, but off dry finish. This is a lovely strong porter but, some might find the molasses notes a tad too strong for the other flavours. I would pair this with a beef and root vegetable pie with a gravy made with this porter – a perfect Autumnal supper!

ABV: 8.5%

Best Served: 12°C

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Cannery Brewing Blackberry Porter

Aug 29

Posted by Wrangler in 3 Tankards, Ale, Beer review, British Columbia, Canada, Flavoured Beer, Fruit Beer, Porter, Wrangler | No Comments

New Blackberry Porter - Bottle With Star Glass

Wrangler Rating:

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Cannery Brewing Blackberry Porter is a robust beer with a strong taste of blackberry. The Porter flavour is fairly good and is not overwhelmed by the fruit, but the blackberry notes are stronger.  The berry flavours are not sweet but give a long aftertaste which some of the Wrangler’s guests loved but the other half were not so sure. It has an off white, creamy head that lingers to the bottom of the glass and a deep opaque black/brown colour. There are some bitter notes from the hops but it’s in a supporting role to the dark fruit.  Do not have this too chilled or you will miss the balance of the porter and the fruit will dominate. Fruit beers are not for everyone, but if you don’t like the sweet and light styles that abound in the summer, go for a more full-bodied and balanced option like this well made Porter. Pair this with a fruity and creamy dessert.

ABV: 6.5%

*                                                         Best Served: 10°C

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