My particular O’so brew, the Night Train, lays claim to being “roasty, chewy, robust, judicial, creamy, bold, complex, immense.” While a tall order from such a tiny brewery, this beer was surprisingly good. Unlike life’s night train trips through the European countryside, this brew was smooth and delightful. Despite the delicious taste, the aroma was the highlight. My wife, usually good for a shrug of her shoulders after smelling the beer I shove under her nose, raised her eyebrows at this one, and told of the strong, sweet chocolate that escaped my snifter. I agreed, and added caramel and coffee to the mix and upgraded the chocolate to a smooth, rich fudge. While the flavor was solid, the chocolate continuing on the palate and easing its way into a dry, burnt roast finish, the nose was so complex and memorable that it was a tough act to follow. I will definitely take a trip on the Night Train again!

ABV: ?

Grade: B+

[Show as slideshow]

ABV 5.2%

Grade: A-

[Show as slideshow]

Michael: It pours a deep, dark, earthy brown with faintly purplish edges. The head is like a topping of soil and dissolves quickly into the brew. There is a bitter smell, wrapped around earthy scents, almost like a pile of rocks and dirt. Its pleasant, but intense, all covered in a thin coating of smoke and dark chocolate. It tastes thin and dry, drifting into something a bit sour and ending with a bitter linger. A little alcohol on the finish as well and while the mouthfeel isn’t that of a silky smooth stout, it’s definitely enjoyable enough. Grade: B-

Tom: I was met with hints of oatmeal, dark chocolate, coffee, and deep roasted grains that provided a bitterness all their own. With a thick creamy head and heavier mouthfeel it seemed more Stout-like. If you have had Big Sky’s Slow Elk it was very similar. Velvety, rich, and chewy are good descriptors. The aftertaste was laden with classic coffee highlights common to most Porters. Side Note: while over at my house one afternoon, Noel and I called the brewery to ask who “Bobo” was. We were told there are a thousand different answers, but that he was basically a Chihuahua. Grade: B+

Taylor: Hard to review this roasty, toasty porter without thinking about the raccoon that interrupted my photo … just chillin’ on my balcony in the middle of the day, he was probably hoping for a sip of Bobo’s. The color of this brew was the most impressive … super duper dark and thick, like what would come out of the oil pan of a Mack truck that’s just driven coast to coast. Smells of those quintessential roasted malts, coffee with hints of chocolate. Nice big-bubble brown head which laces down the first third of the glass. Taste is bold, mildly carbonated. Of a richness that necessitates some kind of hand-rolled tobacco product as a companion. Finish had a bit of tang to it, not sure what that was all about. Was it robust? Yes. Was it life-changing? No. Grade: B

Noel: Ever since I was introduced to Big Sky’s Moose Drool brown ale a few years back, I’ve been a fan of this Montana brewery. And knowing that most of their beers pay tribute to the local wildlife, imagine my surprise to find this limited release porter with a crazed chihuahua on the label. Not quite the first animal that comes to mind when I think of the American west…or America in general (although Tom and I did call Big Sky and they confirmed that Bobo the chihuahua is a bit of a legend around those parts). But while the beer itself isn’t legendary… it’s still quite awesome. Incredibly black, mildly carbonated, smooth, and with loads of “espresso-y” and “mocha-esque” malt from start to finish; it lives up to the “robust” adjective. Grab some chocolate, a cigar, and enjoy. The legend of Bobo…maybe? Grade: A-

ABV: 6.2%

Final Grade: B

[Show as slideshow]

At first pour, this brew was dark brown/black with a reddish hue and 1/2 finger caramel head. It smelled of dark roasted malts, coffee, chocolate, and hops. The taste was nutty, hoppy and smoky along with pleasant hints of rich dark malts and coffee bean. The mouthfeel was rather heavy yet thinner than anticipated and seemed a bit flat. The beer finished leaving a strange chalky texture and broad nutty flavor that sat on the back of my tongue between sips. Good dark brew!

ABV: 5.3%

Grade: B

[Show as slideshow]

However, St. Patrick is not the only saint associated with beer. There are others such as: St. Bartholomew, St. Columba, St. Arnou (Arnold), St. Gall, and St. Brigid (or Bridget). Many of their stories stem from the medieval culture before the Roman Empire made its way into Britannia. One such story is that of St. Bridget, a nun who is known for establishing numerous convents and working with those in poor health. Apparently, on one occasion she asked God to turn a pool into beer so that her patients could enjoy the tasty drink and it happened.

While the beer I’m reviewing is not from Ireland, it is saintly on its own merit. It is a darkly roasted beauty that falls from the bottle with like a coffee from a carafe (deep mahogany-black). There was a dense foamy tan head that lasted for quite some time. The aroma was of roasted coffee, chocolate and slightly burnt caramel notes. Side note: Porters preceded the Stout in terms of style. The two are almost identical, but there is some difference. Porters carry coffee-like characteristics and are a little more rounded. Stouts, often centered around the roasted/burnt barley that provides an astringent bitter quality.

That said the taste was of rich, darkly roasted grains. Similar to a cup of joe the mouthfeel was moderately heavy and left a dry finish. I could detect a higher hopping to balance out the dark malt, but they did not distract from the main primary flavors. The carbonation was good and helped to add some life to the brew. Overall, it was a very drinkable Porter with warm, deep grain flavors. I hope St. Bridget looks my way next time I’m in a pool. I’d drink gallons of this stuff.

ABV: 5.9%

Grade: B+

[Show as slideshow]

I poured a cold bottle of the rich, dark brown brew in the comfort of my own living room, while the snow poured down outside. The combination of its near-opaque body and lifeless head struck me as appropriate for a style of beer that derives its name from a desolate north-European sea – frozen shorelines, solemnly silent waves, and meandering sea ice. But beneath the surface, this porter was bursting with waves upon waves of flavor: roasted malt, strong coffee, and a smoky medium-hopped finish that came alive as the beer reached the back of my mouth. Honestly, the flavor profile made it one of the best porters I’ve ever had.

My advice? The next time a record-breaking blizzard traps you indoors for a weekend, pour yourself a Dominion Baltic Porter and savor it slowly, sip by sip, as you cozy up in your favorite armchair. Be bold, and brave the Baltic!

Grade: A-

[Show as slideshow]

Grade: D

[Show as slideshow]

What a delight! I was really taken away the melody of flavor and how well the insertion of coffee paired so well with this beer. Known as a Baltic Porter this beer packs a punch, but is very drinkable. Brewed by many countries bordering the Baltic Sea, this style of beer has roots in English Brown Porters and influences from Imperial Russian Stouts. These two styles provide for an amazing balance of a roasted malty backbone while lending some nice alcoholic muscle. Without the addition of the coffee beans this brew would still be a knockout.

At first glance you observe a deep black hue and a compact tan head that dissipates very slowly. The aroma is pure intoxication. Definitely hints of coffee are at the forefront, but also a complexity of chocolate, dark roasted/burnt grains, some fruitiness, licorice, molasses, nuttiness, and minor caramel notes. The hops are only used to balance out the malt profile to which I did not get any hint they were even used. The dryness came from the burnt grains and coffee. If you have tried Flossmoor Station’s Pullman Brown Ale it has a similar body and taste.

This beer is extremely drinkable due to the smooth mouthfeel. There is just enough carbonation to keep it from being too heavy on the palate. If you enjoy the roasted qualities of a Black Lager, yet want to enjoy a full bodied Porter this beer is for you.

Prepare for the onslaught of flavor…

Grade: A+

[Show as slideshow]

Allow me to sweet talk you into trying one of my favorite beers for the cold winter months. Sam Adams Honey Porter is packed with flavor, complexity, and enough sweetness to make Walter Payton jealous (too soon). It pours a deep mahogany color with substantial tan head. The aroma is of highly roasted/lightly burnt grains. This lends various coffee, chocolate, and dark toffee notes as you embark on your first sip. I was able to pick up on the honey after taking a couple sniffs. It is dry hopped with East Kent Goldings hops that impart a herbal element.

The taste is unbelievable! You get robust Porter flavors that are true to style. There is a good bitterness from the brunt grains as well as the hops. These however, have a spicier, earthy taste since they are UK hops that have more floral/herbal characteristics. Simply judging on the Porter qualities this beer has high marks. Throw in the honey aspect and it surpassed expectations. The honey is produced from Scottish heather which compliments the spicy, herbal notes of the hops, yet gives enough sweetness to balance out the roasted grains. Everything works together to give you highly balanced beer that is full in flavor and body. The aftertaste is worth savoring as you get both sweetness and bitterness dancing harmoniously on your palate.

Grade: A

[Show as slideshow]