Snipes Mountain Brewing Co.
Sunnyside, WA
Available: WA, OR, ID, MT
This robust porter is brewed with Great Western Pale Ale, Crisp Marris Otter, Weyermann Munich, Crisp Crystal 77, Crisp Chocolate, Hugh Baird Brown, Great Western Malted White Wheat, and Flaked Barley, with UK Challenger, Ahtanum and Styrian Golding hops.
Alcohol (wt.): 3.6
Alcohol (vol.): 4.6
Color: n/a
Bitterness: 40
Gravity: 12.5
A Washington State beer with a quiet, sturdy red head; and an intense, almost ebony color. And that's only the beginning. This beer is really roasty, and yes, there is a hint of chocolate here, but don't worry, there's not enough to make you gain weight. The hop contingent is sturdy and most welcome. This beer demands a return engagement, as it most definitely grows on one.
The label says “very dark amber,” but I can’t imagine what definition they’re using – the beer is essentially black. The nose shows the source of the color – lots and lots of black-roasted malts, giving an aroma of espresso and dark chocolate. The palate is surprisingly light and balanced with light hopping and heavy roast balancing the juicy malts. The roast dominates into the dry finish. Some may find it slightly heavy-handed, but it will work perfectly with Mexican mole negro sauce.
Big, dense, coffee-colored head. The beer itself has a solid ebony color and the aroma of liquorice toffee. Rooty dryness in the palate, but not harsh or excessively carbonized. Slightly iron-like. Herbal. Very dry, but smoothened by the dovetailing of its big flavors. Beautifully rounded. I would call it a stout. A Washington State beer; bring on the oysters. On the half-shell, with a splash of balsamic vinegar.
Fred Eckhardt lives, writes about and drinks beer in Portland, OR. He is the author of The Essentials of Beer Style and Saké.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the brewmaster of the Brooklyn Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster's Table.
Author of Ultimate Beer, the Simon & Schuster Guide to Beer and numerous other works on drinks, Jackson has created legions of converts to fine beer.
