This gives me some things that I really like in a Porter, and some things that I don’t. I prefer my Porters to exhibit a mild, creamy overall experience with a classic black appearance and a smooth texture. The appearance criteria are nicely fulfilled by this brew – a jet black body, small tan head with a little lacing, but that’s where the Porter style is left behind and the beer then departs on some wild hop extravaganza. Fine if you like beers that get hopped out of the style, but less appealing if you are looking for a classic.
No doubt that this is an interesting brew – a hopped up, supercharged Porter – but as is so often the case when classic styles and beers are treated this way, a lot of the original charm, sophistication and intent are lost. Shame really, because this *could* be an amazing Porter in the true sense of the style, but it falls into the mega-beer trap.
Alcohol is too large for the beer, but having said that quite well hidden. Bitterness abounds, and that’s not what I’m looking for here.