So as I was preparing to write this post I went looking back through my... archives (that can't be the right word). While I was there I noticed something pretty surprising. I have never taken a look at an English beer. I've talked about a handful from Scotland, a couple from Germany, plenty of Belgians, and of course a whole lot of American beers. But shockingly, none from England. This is especially weird because all of my favorite beers are interpretations of English styles. IPAs, stouts, porters, bitters all originate from England. Well, today my blog is no longer bereft of English ales as today I take a look at the Naval College Old Porter from Meantime Brewing in London, England. To the beer!
As Naval College Old Porter pours it builds up a tall, dense, finely bubbled, incredibly stubborn tan head. As it slowly recedes it leaves beautiful spidery lacing. All of that lovely head sits atop a deep black beer that only yields the tiniest ruby red highlights when it is held to very bright light. I had to use the flash on my phone camera.
The aromas here are mainly of rich roasty chocolate and dark coffee. Bits of caramel and vanilla are in there as well alongside a robust peaty smokiness.
Naval College Old Porter leads with cakey, powdery chocolatey flavors. It gives way to notes of mild bitter coffee and a milky, full bodied, creamy sweetness. Vey faint notes of raisin and date and a nice acrid smokiness add some complexity.
This might be one of the best porters I've ever had. Creamy, full, sweet, and possessing of a subtle complexity yet still incredibly drinkable. This bomber got polished off in no time flat. I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be on the hunt for more beers from Meantime. You should be too. Have a great St. Patrick's Day folks. And remember, you can do a whole lot better than green beer.
HD
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