smellysell
Go Vols!!!
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2007
- Messages
- 9,915
A while back I asked Jim (swissy) if he could send me a couple of these to try, since I had heard so many good things about them. Not only did he help me out, but he sent me an aged bottle along with a fresh one. I decided to do a review of both to see what a couple years of age did to this great beer. Thanks again for the opportunity Jim.
Style - American Porter
ABV - 6.5%
Brewed In - Juneau, Alaska
Availability - Brewed Year Round
2006
Appearance
VERY dark brown, almost black with a medium tan head, which is acutally pretty thick for a porter, and has medium/heavy lacing when you take a couple drinks.
Smell
Real smokey with a hint of sweetness.
Taste
Believe it or not, this beer is smokey!
The smokiness is definately the dominant flavor, but there is also a touch of malt sweetness, maybe caramel, and coffee undertones. Just a touch of bitterness which is perfect to my tastes. Alcohol is completely hidden to my tastes, very smooth.
Feel
Very nice, medium/full feel to this beer. Lines the inside of the mouth and leaves you wanting another drink. Carbonation is pretty light.
2004
Appearance
Same dark, dark brown with a medium tan head that is a bit lighter than the '06 version.
Smell
Same as the '06 bottle, but there is also some fruitiness to it that was absent in the '06 bottle. Sweetness is a little more pronounced also.
Taste
I didn't think it was possible, but this is even smoother than the '06. Smoke is still the most pronounced flavor, but the caramel and coffee are more up front and there is a hint of fruitiness that I can't quite put my finger on, maybe cherry?
Feel
Same as the '06 batch, very satisfying.
Verdict
The '06 bottle was a great beer, but the '04 was even better. It was more complex and even more smooth. I'd love to get my hands on a case of this to let sit for a couple years and then see what happened with even more age. Thanks again for the opportunity to try these Jim!
--edit to resize pictures--
Style - American Porter
ABV - 6.5%
Brewed In - Juneau, Alaska
Availability - Brewed Year Round
2006
Appearance
VERY dark brown, almost black with a medium tan head, which is acutally pretty thick for a porter, and has medium/heavy lacing when you take a couple drinks.
Smell
Real smokey with a hint of sweetness.
Taste
Believe it or not, this beer is smokey!
The smokiness is definately the dominant flavor, but there is also a touch of malt sweetness, maybe caramel, and coffee undertones. Just a touch of bitterness which is perfect to my tastes. Alcohol is completely hidden to my tastes, very smooth.Feel
Very nice, medium/full feel to this beer. Lines the inside of the mouth and leaves you wanting another drink. Carbonation is pretty light.
2004
Appearance
Same dark, dark brown with a medium tan head that is a bit lighter than the '06 version.
Smell
Same as the '06 bottle, but there is also some fruitiness to it that was absent in the '06 bottle. Sweetness is a little more pronounced also.
Taste
I didn't think it was possible, but this is even smoother than the '06. Smoke is still the most pronounced flavor, but the caramel and coffee are more up front and there is a hint of fruitiness that I can't quite put my finger on, maybe cherry?
Feel
Same as the '06 batch, very satisfying.
Verdict
The '06 bottle was a great beer, but the '04 was even better. It was more complex and even more smooth. I'd love to get my hands on a case of this to let sit for a couple years and then see what happened with even more age. Thanks again for the opportunity to try these Jim!
--edit to resize pictures--
