Five Week Sail by Arches Brewing is a Baltic Porter and is being judged as a Baltic Porter (category 9C from the 2015 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Baltic Porter is a style that originated in countries along the North Sea with historical ties back to the porters and stouts that were being made in England and Ireland. Baltic Porters are often described as "Imperial Schwarzbiers" as the dark malt is not as aggressive as typical porters and the beers are usually lagers or lager-like ales. Five Week Sail measures in at 8.0 percent ABV.

This beer pours dark brown, almost black, in color, is clear, and shows a light brown head. The aroma is moderate chocolate and toasted malt with a light burnt note; light dark fruit of plums compliments the dark malt. The body is medium with a hint of pleasant warmth. The flavor is moderate chocolate and toasted malt with a light plum ester and a hint of sweetness. This beer finishes with chocolate and burnt malt accented with light esters of plums.

Five Week Sail is a very good strong porter but misses the mark for the Baltic Porter style. The malt character is a little aggressive (the "burnt notes") and the malt and ester flavors could be more complex. Regardless of style, enjoy this strong porter for the very good beer that it is. Cheers!