Papago El Robusto Porter

Brewed by Oak Creek Brewing Co.
Style: Imperial/Strong Porter
Sedona, Arizona USA

tap at papago. It was poured wayyy to cold and it didn’t impress out of the gate, but as it warmed, the flavors came out and by the end of the glass I was left wanting more. Good stuff.

Pours midnight brown w/ a medium sized, semi creamy froth. Aromas of roasted malts and cherries. Full nectar w/ ample yet soft residual effers creating an almost velvety texture. Very nice. Big roasted malts w/ your typical flavors of this genre although there was an annoying plastic saran wrap nuance that keeps it from going classic in my book. The finish has a touch of sour w/ a nice bittering component. Overall: this is more like an English style that is generously malted w/ above average Alc%. Fairly dry for a Baltic style.

On draught at Papago: Pours to an opaque dark brown, almost black colored body with a small light tan head that quickly fades. The aroma is mild, with notes of roasted coffee, roasted malts, and chocolate. This was sampled in a smoky bar so the aroma was difficult to detect. Taste was roasted dark chocolate, showing some mild hints of lactic acid, yeast, and smoke. Medium body, medium carbonation, seemed just a bit too watery at times.

Poured a pitch black color with a nice tan head. Lacing was lacking, but boy, this was pitch black! Roasted coffee and chocolate aroma. Flavor followed suit with a slight bitterness (but not hoppy). The mouthfeel was silky w/ increasing temperature. A decent beer, but not at the top of the Baltic class.

On tap at Papago Brewing: Beer pours black with a nice dark brown head that is somewhat retained. Aroma is like many baltic porters a bit restrained, exhibiting dark chocolate, roasted malt and a little alcohol. The flavor on the other hand is big and multi-layered; dark chocolate, a bit of smoke, licorice and a little alcohol. A great domestic example of the style. Just a bit of dry hoppiness in the finish. Mouthfeel is smooth a little oily. Really good beer.

Draft. Pours a grainy, dark brown with a dark tan head. Aroma is very chocolaty with a bit of malt sweetness. The flavor is also chocolate and some fruitiness, kindda hot even at 7.5%.

On Tap@Papago Brewing Company: Black body with nice dark mocha head. Aroma is malty, coffee and cream. Flavor starts moderatly sweet with coffee and cream , a hint of cocoa with a light roasty bitterness in the finish. Medium bodied and smooth with soft carbonation.

Not much aroma; not exactly "robust" aroma. Completely opaque, black body. Small, brown head. Initial mouthfeel is not overy amazing or strong. No flaws and quite fine as a porter. I just was expecting a little stronger alcohol and a little sweeter. Nevertheless, very good. Lactose, milk stout. Not much hops. Chocolatety. Very enjoyable. Improves as it warms. I am extremely impressed with the brew and with Papago brewing after the El Rojo and this brew.