162. Smuttynose Baltic Porter

If you have been following my blog you already know I think the Big Beer Series from Smuttynose is some of the very best beer available so when I came across the Baltic Porter at Whole Foods in Portland I quickly grabbed a bottle. With big expectations I opened this one and poured my first glass. Appearance is exactly what a porter should be,  black with a thick tan head which will last as long as it takes you to drink this beer. Aroma is plentiful with some roasted malts, hints of chocolate, caramel and even some raisin, very slight alcohol smell but not overpowering. Taste is slightly sweet to start but very complex and extremely well balanced. Something for everyone in this; malts, slightly hoppy, chocolate, raisin, coffee but no one flavor stands out. Even ay 9% ABV this is smooth, easy to drink and the 22 oz bomber was gone within the hour. I do not give out many ratings above a 4 but this one deserves it. Even if you do not usually enjoy porters or stouts you should still give this one a try. 
Pros: Everything

Cons: 

Alcohol Content: 9.0% ABV
Calories: ???
IBU (Bitterness): ??
Rating:  
Brewers Website: Smuttynose

Brewers Description: Indigenous to northern Europe, Baltic Porters historically stem from the shipping of British porters to the Russian hinterland. Unlike their British cousins, Baltic Porters are often brewed with lager yeast, which is the tradition we follow. Big & bold, with flavors of coffee, dark fruit & raisins, this black beer is smooth as a chocolate swirl.