94 Smoked Frog Porter, Issaquah Brewhouse (OR). 8% ABV (1/09)
Black with reddish tan head. Slim Jim and baker’s chocolate aromas follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish, medium-full body with excellent smoothness and depth of flavor. Finishes with a long dried fruit, roasted nut and smoldering ember fade. Nicely balanced smokiness makes this a pleasure to drink; a must try beer for Cuban sandwiches or smoked gouda.
91 Coconut Porter, Maui Brewing Co. (HI). 5.7% ABV (1/08)
Dark brown-black color. Aromas of Almond Joy bars. A very smooth, velvety entry leads to a milky, dryish medium body of dark toast, toasted coconuts and dark artisan chocolate with a creamy mocha coconut milkshake-like fade. A fun and easy drinking porter with a unique flavor; serve as cheesecake.
90 Black Butte XX, Deschutes Brewery (OR). 11% ABV (1/09)
Black-brown color. Aromas of chocolate fudge sundaes (with nuts) and frappaccinos follow through on a thick, chewy entry to a fruity full body with prune and raisin purée notes. Finishes with a long, syrupy roasted walnut and chocolate coffee fudge fade. A decadent, almost dessert beer-like treat to sip in small doses.
89 Vanilla Porter, Breckenridge Brewery (CO). 4.7% ABV (1/09)
Dark reddish brown color. Aromas of dark toast, sour cherry and mild vanilla bean aromas follow through on a silky entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with great tangy citrus peel and melon notes. Finishes with a cocoa and dried citrus fade. Not much vanilla here, but very refreshing and food-friendly.
89 Pipeline Coffee Porter, Kona Brewing Co. (HI). 5.2% ABV (1/09)
Dark russet brown color. Chocolate-covered coffee bean and sour cherry aromas follow through on a round creamy entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with chocolate pudding and roasted nut notes. Finishes with a crisp yet creamy latte-like fade. Nice.
88 Samuel Adams Honey Porter, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 5.5% ABV (1/09)
Reddish mahogany color. Aromas of baker’s chocolate, honeycomb and spiced caramelized nuts follow through on a round, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with nice toffee notes. Finishes with a long, mossy earth and raw honey accented fade.
86 Mocha Porter, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.2% ABV (1/09)
Dark brown color. Pleasant mocha fudge, grapefruit and roasted nut aromas follow through on a breezy soft entry to a dryish medium body with notes of toasted pumpkin seeds and earth. Finishes with a burnt orange and mildly astringent hop fade.
84 Honey Mint Porter, North Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 7.5% ABV (1/09) %{Brewpub}
Reddish mahogany color. Interesting aromas of chocolate mint and coriander follow through on a round entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with mincemeat pie and lemon marmalade notes. Finishes with a tangy, spice, mint leaf-accented fade. Different.