Porter

On tap yesterday at the "pre-release", at Tolkien’s.... So my first glass of Pale Ale was off (not the brewery’s fault, improperly washed glass apparently (can’t blame the bartenders that much, damn busy moment)), and I wasn’t planning on staying long, or spending much, as I had other plans. Initially thought of getting a rate from a friend’s beer, but after a whiff and a sip (thanks PriMarius!), I immediately ordered a full glass for myself. Man. Full aroma, coffee, grainy, slightly oily, though more creamy, fresh, with a light, just tiny touch of orange, out of nowhere. Immediately appealing. Several hours later, penniless by now, I caught myself just sipping on (another) glass of this, after 7 of us pooled everything we’d had to the money that was left over after the group bill was paid to get another round for everyone, and just enjoying the f**k out of it. Intensive and interesting, by the book, but lovely, the creamy taste struck with coffee & chocolate notes, grainy, roasty, some vague "orange" again, balanced to perfection, by the book. If I had to look for a negative, it would be the slightly strange aftertaste, that felt somehow "diluted" (not the most perfect word ever). Like a minor scratch on something that’s eerily close to perfection.The Zmajska guys had to go to the brewery at least 2 more times to get more kegs (of both beers). And it was an unannounced pre-release. Hours and hours later most of us were still there, and the verdict was unanimous. Zmajska’s Porter is simply brilliant. I love the emerging Croatian craft scene, and so should you.