Original notes 11/29/2005. Picture from 2021.

Good, black color, nice creamy head and some surprisingly good lacing. A little red highlight at the bottom of the glass too.

Smell is sweeter and less bitter than many American Porters, and emphasizes the smooth aspects of the style. All good I feel.

Taste is rounded and subtle with a distinct lack of bitterness, and a very nice smooth feel. Too often I find American Porters to concentrate on the bitter, hoppy, dark coffee flavors rather than the smooth silky nature of the style. This is a nice exception. Tasty hops present.

Mouthfeel is good, with a slightly above average body and more than average smoothness for the American version of the Porter. The combination of this, the Fezziwig and the very solid Winter and Black Lagers, make the Sam Adams Holiday mixed 12 pack a really excellent value purchase for mid-week, everyday drinking around the Christmas season.