Oct 30, 2014

Karl Strauss Peanut Butter Cup Porter

The peanut butter and chocolate combination has been a successful one throughout candy history. But how does it translate to beer? I’ve only encountered the combination one time before, with DuClaw’s Sweet Baby Jesus. I described that beer as gimmicky, but still tasty. Karl Strauss’ Peanut Butter Cup Porter also falls in the gimmick bin, but it’s got a smoother overall flavor.

Where DuClaw’s version was a bit clunky, Karl Strauss have managed to make the transition between elements a bit more natural and seamless. The peanut flavoring that the brewery uses has a bit of an earthier nuttiness which works well with the light roast and cocoa presence. I’m still not sold on the concept, but that’s no fault of either brewer.

Appearance

Peanut Butter Cup Porter pours a dark cola brown in color with a small, but persistent cap of beige foam.

Karl Strauss Peanut Butter Cup Porter

Aroma

A soft roast, cocoa, peanuts and light coffee notes mingle amongst one another well.

Taste

The brew tastes just like the label says. Dry cocoa, peanuts, an overall earthy character, light roast and a hint of coffee fill the mouth smoothly. The flavors are more balanced than expected and make for an easy drinking beer. It’s not over-the-top in terms of any one element and is quite approachable as a lingering bit of nuttiness hangs around in the lightly drying finish. Personally, I’d like it a bit fuller on the palate.

Overall

Like I said, I’m still not sold on the whole peanut butter chocolate beer thing, but as it stands, this offering from Karl Strauss is still pretty darn tasty. It’s flavors meld with one another without dominating any one aspect. I’m sure that, just like DuClaw’s Sweet Baby Jesus, this beer will have its rabid fans — I’m just more of a passing acquaintance.

Rating: 3.75/5

This is a review of a promotional sample.

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