This beer's bouquet was strongly defined by freshly brewed coffee with a hint of toffee, vanilla and chocolate malt. A big khaki-colored head foamed up upon initial pour than fell off quickly. The beer was dark brown in color and quite clear. The flavor, much like the aroma, was predominantly coffee followed by a light malt sweetness that did little to lighten the heavy bittering effects of the coffee and roasted grains. Specialty beers in general are only successful when the quality of the base beer is evident and can support the specialty ingredients incorporated into the beer, and the base Porter accomplished that. The mouthfeel was full and delivered an alcoholic warmth that that was on the high end of the spectrum for style. This beer should be a big hit for those who want to get away from everyday lagers and savor the dark grains of both coffee and malted barley.
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Midnight Special
Description
With so much flavor and complexity this is one of our favorite dark beers. The hints of roasted malts and chocolate balance well with the upfront coffee aroma and flavor. We cold brew the coffee right in the finished beer bringing out its true expressions.
Judges Review
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
35 / 40
Mouthfeel:
8 / 10
Overall Impression:
17 / 20