Brewers Art Proletory Ale

Definitely a porter. Awesome roast complex in this one. Very burnt, like a piece of chocolate toast. Lots of grain characters in the roastiness of multigrain cereal. Coffee and chocolate dominate the flavors. Very nice indeed.

Draft at Max’s 72 Hour Belgian Beer Fest. This was the "Speciale" version but I’m not sure there is a difference for that. Dark brown pour. Aroma smacks you with dark fruits, chewy caramel, some bubblegum or candyish notes, and creamy malts. Aroma seems very sweet, but the taste, however, was not quite as sweet as it would let on. More caramel, chocolate, soft dusty cocoa, floral hops and candied notes. This is sweet without being cloying. Body is medium with soft carbonation. Ends like it began - sweet, malty with chewy caramel, soft candyish notes and dark fruits. Yummy!

Draft at Brewer’s Art during Max’s 72 Hour Belgian Beer Fest. Rating this a second time as the first was at Max’s and was listed as the Speciale Proletary. This is for the "standard" at Brewer’s Art. Dark brown. Nose is dusty cocoa, yeast notes, soft fruit and sweet malts. Taste is powedry chocolate, semi-sweet malts, dark fruits, yeast notes, caramel and candy. Body is medium with moderate carbonation. Ends with more cocoa, cobwebs, soft malts and dark fruits. Some caramel here as well.

On tap at Max’s Taphouse in Baltimore during their Belgian fest. Pumped from the cask it comes out a deep, opaque black (slightly watery) with a ringing off white head. Absolutely no carbonation. Smells like chocolate, candy and roasted malts. Flavor is sweet and chocolaty, but with mild candy flavors, hints of wheat and grain. Flat texture and watery finish. Sweet and mild for such a dark beer. Excellent flavor and texture, an absolute winner.

Date: 07/16/2006
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewpub

clear dark brown with ruby edges, thin fine brown head, dry chocolate malt aroma, rich chewy chocolate flavor, nice sweetness, just a hint of bitterness in the finish to add a bit of balance,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Drinkability: 8/10
Score: ***/4

(draught at restaurant) Deep black. Aroma is sweet malt and coffee. Flavor also sweet malt, coffee, hints of chocolate. Nice beer for a chocolate dessert.