Why not launch my first beer review with a nice bold style…Porter. If you have never wandered from light lagers, you are missing out on a whole category of flavor. Afraid of “bitter” beer? No need. This porter is no more bitter than a cup of coffee – actually has some coffee/roasted qualities all its own. 5.6% alcohol/vol.
Bell's Porter 2010
From Bell’s website:
A robust porter for all occasions. A blend of dark malts give this beer flavors of coffee and chocolate with subtle roasted notes. Gold medal winner in the Brown Porter category Brewers Association World Beer Cup 2008.
Appearance:
Rich Dark color, this poured with a tan head less than a half-inch and dissipated quite quickly.
Aroma:
Nice chocolate and coffee aromas.
Taste:
Coffee and Chocolate flavors hit you right at the beginning. Slight bitter ending – but no more than regular roast coffee would.
Mouthfeel:
Smooth, but a bit thin mouthfeel. Has a medium carbonation and a lasting dry finish.
Overall:
I think this is a good porter, a little sharp on the carbonation, and a little thinner than I want in a porter. Strong flavor is well balanced between coffee and chocolate flavors. I would buy it again, but may not be the first I would pick.
