My friend Marty is always on the lookout for new beers for us to try. The other night he showed up on the Porch with a special treat for the taste buds that he picked up at our local beer gettin place. O’Fallon Smoked Porter.
I’ve tried many Porters, but never a Smoked Porter. This one poured so dark it looked like someone melted a dark chocolate candy bar in my glass. It had a nice thick sweet aroma like a typical Porter with a thin nougat colored head that didn’t last. I was expecting it to taste really smokey like a Scotch ale but was pleasantly surprised. It had a slight nose of smoke but the flavor was a nice creamy roast chocolate malt. They did this one well, you can taste (and smell) the smoke but it isn’t overbearing like others. The hops show up briefly in the finish but don’t stay around long. The overall experience is focused on the Porter part and the smokey portion is kind of an atmosphere setting for the palate.
I like most Porters and would like this one better without the smoke. But what do I know? This beer won a gold medal at the 2004 Great American Beer Festival for best Smoked Beer in America. Next time I think I’ll try this one just slightly chilled instead of cold. Has a good robust flavor and mouthfeel, it seems to get better the more I sip on it. (Yes I’m sipping it. Big Deal! I believe Porters should be savored) My overall opinion is it’s a pretty good Porter overdone. I think it would go well with one of those hearty fall meals like cube steak and mashed potatoes or swiss steak. Thanks Marty for the contribution to the site, and the ever growing size of my beer belly. Keep ‘em coming.
P-O-R-C-H Rating: R+
Posted by Mr. Porch