Football is finally here

Smuttynose Robust Porter

I can breath now. Auburn finally pulled off a win over Washington State. It wasn’t a pretty win but there was some nice moments that gives us members of the Auburn Family hope. Auburn had 2 interceptions in all of 2012. We had 3 tonight. And we scored more than the other guys. I’m excited that the Guz Malzann era has started.

I had a gift card that Uncle Mark gave me back at Christmas from Toast that has been burning a hole in my wallet. I stopped and bought a build-your-own six.

I actually bought 2 of the Smuttynose‘s Robust Porter. I over heard some of the staff and a beer fan discussing how this was one of the best porters they had in a while. I thought I would get a second one should Mark drop by. (Drop by Mark, the second bottle is still waiting… but maybe not for long).

I was also enticed by their cool label featuring a black-and-white photo of circus performers. I thought the barrel the big guy was holding was spewing brew but I realized it was a bugger on the label.

Nice dark brew. This is a porter than would appeal to those who like darker brews but not necessary too heavy. Really malty. Got some sharp hoppy flavors on the long finish. It has some coffee flavors. The aroma is more like wet coffee grounds than fresh coffee. It produces quite the dark foamy brown head. Nice and smooth and approaching creamy but the hops keeps it from being too smooth.

I checked out their website and it says “This hearty, mahogany colored ale is brewed to evoke the dark, full-bodied ales that were a favorite of dockworkers and warehousemen (hence the name “Porter”) in 19th century London. It is a good bet that when Dickens’ Mr. Pickwick sat down for a pint, we would have been drinking an ale much like our Robust Porter. This is a smooth and very drinkable beer, characterized by its well-balanced malt and hops, plus subtle notes of coffee and chocolate flavors.”

This is one of their year-round brews.

I like it. WAR EAGLE.

So, there you have it. If you like porters I think you need to try it. Nuff said.
From: Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing