Harveys Porter (Bottle)

Bottle, from the Dodgy Deli on Cowley Rd. Brown highlighted black with a small but sticky layer of open tan foam. Soft coffee and molasses both in the aroma and flavor. A restrained touch of sourness that feels historically appropriate and adds some texture. A little more roast to the finish wouldn’t hurt, but all in all a very nice little porter. One of the nicest bottled porters I’ve had in the UK so far. I’m seriously kicking myself that I only bought one bottle of this when I had the chance. And now it’s gone. Forever.

Pours a deep dark brown with a light tan head. The aroma has chocolate and roasted notes. The flavor is moderatly roasted with a dark chocolate background and a slightly sweet finish.

Sample at AleFest Dayton (As Tom Paine Porter): This beer is a very dark brown color with a thin beige head and spotty lacing. The aroma is chocolatey cocoa and burnt malt. Medium-bodied and dry with roasted malt and chocolate flavors. The finish is sweet molasses and chocolate. Better than expected overall.

Labeled as "Harveys Tom Paine Original Old Porter". Pours a very dark brown with a slight reddish hue to it. A very interesting porter. The aroma is more of raison than anything. Flavor is quite complex with hints of dark, dried fruit and some of the usual chocolate and coffee undertones. Reminds me a lot of an aged sherry or port. Very unique brew; probably more traditional. I will have to revisit this one again when I have more time to sit and ponder the flavors since this one is so different and complex. That’s what I love most about porters! 16.9 oz bottle, $4.30 at the Winking Lizard Tavern (Crosswoods).

Bottled at the Royal Oak, Borough, June 2006. If you like your porters to be pseudo-stouts, as they often are these days, you probably won’t like this. If you prefer a more traditional old English style of porter this may be more your cup of tea. Very dark red/brown, with not much head. Intensely woody, with a touch more oxidation than I’d like, which may be down to the age of the bottle or the pasteurisation process. Some deep malt and soy sauce touches in the aroma. Light, dry and distinctly bitter on the palate with licorice and touches of powdery chocolate. Woody character persists in the mouthfeel. Authentic sour edge on the finish. "Old" tasting, but very interesting. However, the woodiness is just a touch overdone for my taste.

Bottle at the Royal Oak, Borough. Slightly thin, malty and sweet porter, softly flavoured, and with that odd Harveys house character, described by some as ’woody’.

Bottled. Dark brown, almost black, with a very small, beige head. Lots of coffee and mocca in the aroma, as well as dark chocolate and a vague fruity note. Balanced flavor with roasted malt, chocolate, coffee and dried fruits. A bit thin body and a coffee-ish, roasted, dry, bitter finish. A light, quaffable porter. (060626)

275ml Bottle (Utobeer): Black with a tan head. Sweet choc, light roast and some raisins in the nose. Sweet choc and fruits, quite moreish. Good stuff.