May 19, 2011

Hoppin’ Frog Silk Porter

I’ve professed my love for porters and stouts ad nauseum on this site and, unfortunately for you all, I don’t see that ending any time soon. Especially if company’s like Ohio’s Hoppin’ Frog continue to brew tastier-than-all-get-out porters like this 6.2% ABV beer.

If there’s anything I’ve learned from Hoppin’ Frog it’s that they make a damn fine beer. Silk Porter is no different and lives up to its name wonderfully. Defined by its silky smooth mouthfeel, the brew also delivers a solid roasted coffee character that went very well with a dark and gloomy storm we had a couple of weeks after I purchased the bottle.

Appearance

Pouring a dark, dark brown, Silk Porter sits proud in the glass with a creamy, brown cap of foam.

Aroma

The nose carries plenty of roasted malt, chocolate and coffee notes, as well as a touch of smoke.

Taste

First, let’s start off with how heavenly this beer feels on the tongue. It’s super smooth, but without any viscosity or slickness. It’s a medium bodied brew with a subtle carbonation that only adds to its creamy mouthfeel. As far as the taste goes, there’s a decent dark coffee roast that dominates while chocolate notes help temper a light smoke. There’s a moderate sweetness which fades quickly to a slightly dry finish that also delivers a light hop bitterness.

Overall

I thoroughly enjoyed Hoppin’ Frog’s Silk Porter. The roasted malt and subtle smoke were at just the right levels, balancing nicely with the chocolate malt and light hop presence. It’s a wonderfully smooth and easy drinking craft brew that I will most certainly be picking up again just as soon as I can find it.

Rating:4/5

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