Simple Malt Double Porter
Mmmm… almost motor oilI started off last week with a review of Brasseurs Illimités Simple Malt Impériale Stout, a beer that surprised the hell out of me with its quality and full flavored character. This week, I’m starting out with another Simple Malt branded brew.
Double Porter may not be as robust or as viscous as its bigger brother, but man it’s still one hell of a beer. Deep roasty notes bring visions of back country campfires to mind as you sip on this one. It’s not really a big beer (nor a double) in terms of the alcohol — at 6.4% ABV it certainly isn’t the most potent porter I’ve ever had, but the beer more than makes up for it’s odd moniker with charred, malty goodness.
Appearance
A dark tan head rests atop the dark brown liquid as a ruby edge appears when held up to the light.
Aroma
There’s a good deal of a roast in this one: campfire, tobacco, chocolate and coffee.
Taste
Wow. Double Porter starts off immediately with a strong, smoky char that fades quickly to a light roasted coffee character. There’s a hint of cocoa within the roasty depths. Now, in terms of the beer’s charred notes, it’s not nearly as strong as say Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen, but it’s still surprisingly forward considering the style. The mouthfeel is a little on the light side for a “double” porter, but doesn’t ruin the experience.
Overall
I found the smoky nature of this beer to be quite surprising and welcome despite the hot Summer day that lead up to me enjoying the Double Porter one evening last week. I’d prefer it a little fuller on the palate, but it was still a tasty beer nonetheless.
Rating: 4/5