Liquid Bliss

(30A. Spice, Herb, or Vegetable Beer) Of all the flavors that can be added to beer, peanut butter may be one of the more difficult options. You can’t exactly start dumping globs of it into the mash or boil and expect great results. Dry powder is an option, as is an artificial flavor additive. Regardless of the method used in this example, the result is very good. The aroma contains a whiff of peanut butter powder that is also chocolatey (like Reece’s Puffs cereal). It is not fruity like many porters are, but that’s okay. It pours a typical dark brown and has a solid tan head. This beer has a roasted malt flavor with a hint of peanut butter. Other than a subtle chocolate malt flavor that is usually found in most porters, that characteristic is largely absent in this beer. The peanut butter flavor creates a perception of sweetness, but this beer is actually pretty dry.  It finishes with an earthy hop flavor. Mouthfeel is what makes this example distinctive: It is smooth, creamy, and lightly oily, which alone makes this beer worth a try. Overall, Liquid Bliss gets credit for its natural taste and truly unique texture.