I should be excited by this beer. Although the bottle doesn't say "porter" this beer is in the porter style. Its "recipe comes from an 1884 Lees brewing notebook, a hoppy strong porter," on their website. I wonder why "porter" hasn't been used on the bottle? It says "ALE" on the bottle. I'm confused before I've started...
Its very dark (not black) with a short tan head. Its aroma is standard roasted malts. It looks thinner than 7.3%. Its body is thinner than 7.3% Its sweet. Perhaps the sweetness will reduce with maturity. Its close to something like McEwans Champion Ale, also 7.3% Is that comparison harsh? I think the Manchester ale, sorry porter, is better. Its smooter and the dark chocolate taste is stronger.
One way to look at this is on current price. You can get 3 of these for £4. That's a bargain. In fact if you like sweet porters I'd go to your local Sainsbury's and grab the lot NOW. If this beer wins the competition it'll be £1 more expensive.
Back to my tasting test. This beer is up against the Double Espresso from Scottish Traditional Ales. This was a nice smooth coffee beer. Which one should be the winner? HELP!
I've had this on draught; I googled it afterwards and was amazed to see it referred to as a "hoppy strong porter". It's not hoppy, and I don't believe it's a porter; I think it's a strong ale in the Burton style (like McEwan's Champion). I like it, whatever it is.
ReplyDeleteSpot on assessment!
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