Portsmouth Baltic Porter

On tap at the Portsmouth brewery served in a tulip glass. By the time the waitress had brought it to me from the bar the thin head had turned to a light lace. The body was black in color It was a little colder than I like when it came to me so the aromas were quite subdued in the beginning. Roasted malts were evident up front defiantly some sweetness as well. The licorice and a light floral hop came through when it warmed a bit Flavors of roasted malts some smokiness it was well balanced not to overtly sweet. Again as it warmed the bitters were more pronounced but still not the dominant flavor Pleasant on the palate medium body not much carbonation so it smooth on the tongue Extremely drinkable beer the alcohol is well hidden so watch out. It would be easy to sit down and have a few of these and wind up calling a cab

(On cask @ brewpub - this version w/ Perle hops) Very, very dark brown, virtually black - appears opaque. One finger of tight, sturdy biege head. Impressive looking. Aroma is rather muted but I’d describe it as molasses with some candyish malt. Palate is soft, smooth, almost creamy - wonderful. Specks of lacing coat inside of tulip. Flavor is also rather muted - milk chocolate, perhaps very light molasses and some earthy hops, although hops aren’t so much prominent in flavor as in burps. Bitterness coats tongue through finish. Some alcohol burn though this is supposed to be only 7%. Another pretty elegant brew from Portsmouth - great looking beer with a palate to match but surprisingly weak on flavor for the style.

Bottled. A pitch black beer with a residing brown head. The aroma is strong with notes of alcohol, malt, and prunes. The flavor is sweet malty with light notes of alcohol, leading to a dry woody end.

[snifter] Perfectly poured by the bartender- dark brown in color, with some slight ruby highlights. Off-white head provides some nice lacing. Nice malty aroma, dark and nearly burnt, with subtle licorice/anise. Flavors are again, plenty of dark roasted malts, chocolate and coffee, with some grassy hops to finish.

Brown in color with ruby hightlights and a small light tan head. Aroma of roasted malts,bread,chocolate and coffee. Flavor is a nice balance of bitterness, malt and roasted malts.