Cask pint at the brewpub on 1/27/07
Properly conditioned beer and a properly handled cask leads to a bright appearance that, though dark, still has a medium-high to high clarity and a large, dense greyish-beige head that is well-retained and leaves large clumps of lacing.
Soft pale malts combine with the chocolate malt to produce a chocolatey sweet aroma with light hints of nuttiness (fresh yeast), hazelnuts and cream. The sweetness from the maris otter is apparent, but not overdone and combines nicely with the crystal malts to give a bit of caramel. No diacetyl present, nor any brewing flaws. There is a slight roasted edge, helping to add complexity to the sweet notes, as well as light coffee, but the chocolate malt is not overdone in the least. No alcohol noted. Very soft and soothing on the nose for a porter. Medium to medium-high strength of aroma.
Dainty chocolate notes, being neither too sweet, nor too dry are prevalent throughout the flavor, while lightly chewy caramel and dry toffee notes emerge as well, giving a variety of medium and dark malt flavors. A fair amount of honey-like sweetness matches the caramel and milk chocolate notes and greatly softens the texture. Light roast and coffee notes, much more dry than they are bitter, come on late to add more complexity and balance while a bit of fruitiness gives the beer a fair deal of authenticity. Soft and lively mouthfeel, with proper wateriness for the style allowing for a fabulous drinkability. No heavy sugariness, hard crystal maltiness, astringent chocolate maltiness or bitter/stale coffee-like flavors, with little/no hop apparency and no flaws.
Can’t complain much about this one, though it’s not really an exciting beer. You just nod your head and smile pleasantly as you drink it....