Alaskan Smoked Porter

Brewed by Alaskan Brewing Co
Style: Smoked
Juneau, Alaska USA

2007 Bottle in trade from Snojerk321 (the man, the myth, the legend)- bottle poured into my eager stein- while reading about all the mishaps at the ’08 DLD, I thought I would crack this baby open and have a good gathaw while reading about some of the disheartening experiences there- poured blacker than midnight, non transparent, medium carbonation of tiny bubbles, tan head in ring formed around the glass. Aroma of dark smoke (AHH!) from hardwood (assuming oak and birch), peat, meat, with a tiny note of lab quality sucrose. Hits the mouth with a heavy wide body, smoke comes through very nicely with a bit of cream in the backdrop, very thick on the palate overall, nice dark baker’s chocolate comes in on the backend, finish... well, it can’t finish because I keep on taking sips!!! This brew is a great interpretation of the idea that you don’t need a gimmick to make a great beer- just make a good one and let nature take care of the rest. Highest score thus far I have gave any brew- HOMERUN!!!

2005 bottle, somehow the only one chilling in the cooler at Deluxe foods in Aptos about a month ago. A really dark, near completely black body with a tight tan head that recedes into a ring. The aroma has plenty of smoke, but it’s not quite as intense as a schlenkerla. The chocolate and burnt marshmallow aromas bely a spot on s’more next to the campfire. Lots of smokey, salty dark chocolate flavor. The smoke is more prevalent than other smoked porters that I’ve had, but still is well integrated. Medium bodied with light, creamy bubbles. Age has treated this well, but not having had it fresh, I really can’t compare. I could definitely put down a few pints of this. At first the smoke is a blast in the flavor, but once you adjust to it it works wonders.

2007 bottle. I was pumped to try this one. VERY DARK with a great tan head. Very smokey taste with the unmistaken roasty porter flavor. The smoke taste may have been a little overbearing at first but after a few swigs the full flavor takes over. I am going to try to age a bottle and see how that treats me.

pours a think black with a short, small tannish head. almost no aroma at all, a faint smoked scent. taste heavy with smoked malts. slightly creamy body with a mostly flat carbonation.

Pours a dark brown with little head. Aroma is woody and smoky, with some bacon and sausage notes. Unlike my previous smoked beer experiences, I’m actually liking it. The flavor is hoppy with some hickory and smoke flavors, but the smoke is not overpowering; rather, it blends nicely and compliments the other flavors. Tasty stuff!

Bottle courtesy of Sparky27. Pours a dark brown with a nice tan head. Aroma is like "Liquid Smoke". Tastes of lots of smoked grain. Finishes with a vinous flavor. Haven’t had a lot of smoked beers, but I enjoyed this one.

2005 bottle, courtesy malrubius. Pours a deep brown color with red highlights. Thin watery white head, and nice lacing. Smoky roastiness, surprise surprise, hits the nose first. Some caramel and chocolate, too. I like where this is going. Roasted chocolate is the biggest thing I get flavor-wise. The smokiness is, to my surprise, somewhat subdued. Could be the age. Caramel is strong, and adds a fine touch to the overall experience. Medium-bodied, and very drinkable. I’d say it’s held up well, but I’d like to try a fresh version.

2007. Pours charcoal black with a glimmer of mahogany; topped with regal, laced espresso foam. Soft of aroma of brown sugar, mexican chocolate and maple cured ham; a sharp expired waft of coffee grounds and clangy citrus oils whimpers in a little but suffocates quickly beneath the weight of charred roast beef, rustic and full of muscle. Flavor has a delicate red wine quality that suggests what Merlot should taste like; dusty, quieted, refined silky fruit characteristics in stride with a dark, decadent sweetness. Full swallows yield warming bursts of cinnamon, anise, and heavyweight african coffee beans; sips the smoothness of pine smoke and meandering citrus sweetness. Middle mainly of blackberry. Palate is unexpectedly light in weight but simply could not be smoother or more caressing; body is medium with polished carbonation and full sensual creaminess. Finish shows some tartness and a finalizing, salted bacon and rich malt smack. Rustic but classy; it would fit just as favorably as a fine aperitif or as a dirty outdoors cigar accompaniment. Thanks Andre!