Friday, September 28, 2012

Stone Smoked Porter


Stone Brewing Company is located in Escondido, California. They’ve been brewing quality craft beers since 1996. Their mascot is a wicked looking beer drinking gargoyle. The descriptions of their beers on their website and bottles are legendary. 

This porter pours a beautiful dark brown and is capped with an equally attractive sugar cookie colored head of froth. The aroma has notes of molasses, and beech wood. The head recedes slowly leaving behind thick globes of lacing. I smiled after my first sip. I'm not kidding. Delicious. Notes of chocolate malt and toasted almond make for a delicious flavor. This porter is also complimented with hints of coffee and caramel. This brew has a velvety body that turns creamy when the carbonation flares on the pallet. The finish is smokey and helps set up a nice relaxing finale.

Personally, I thought this brew was fantastic. A great blending of flavors, but not too heavy or strong. Sitting pretty at a mere 5.9% alcohol-by-volume, this porter is very drinkable and goes down easy. On the variety of brew styles, I think porters serve as a nice bridge between the light and fruity ales of summer, and the heavy stouts of winter. Stone’s Smoked Porter is perfect for autumn weather and activities. I’d recommend this brew during chilly nights around the campfire, tailgate BBQ’s (GO LIONS!!!), or in a chilled glass after a long day. Luckily for us all, Smoked Porter is available all year round.  

Cheers!!!


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