Yeastie Boys Pot Kettle Black

Brewed by Yeastie Boys
Style: Porter
Wellington, New Zealand

First thing I noticed about this beer as it was being pulled on a hand pump at Bar Edwards (Newtown) was that it looked like a good expresso - with a deliciously inviting rich crema. And funnily it does have a coffee-ish flavour about it. However the first thing that hits you is the big grassy resiny hop aroma - usually uncharacteristic of a beer that looks this malty. Don’t get me wrong the malt is there as well, the finish is a bit like a Ghana Dark - chocolatey and bitter. This is a great beer - try it while it lasts.

Not just highly rated because the brewer is a great guy... This is a "wow" beer. I’m sure APA/porter hybrids have been done before, but I’ve certainly never had one. Looks good in the glass, deep black with ruby highlights and the first hint of what is to come in the beige head with a decidedly greenish tinge. On the nose, at first, is all citrus hop but after a while you begin to detect some freshly roasted coffee and a woody note also. A deep draught reveals more hop, but more in balance this time, with nutty, coffee, and chocolate notes. A slightly chalky feel on the palate is the only thing I don’t like about this beer, I always associate that mouthfeel with chocolate malt, so don’t hold my dislike of choc malt against the beer. It finishes long, and bitter. This is a beer at home in any season, so it’s sad it will only be produced once a year. That said, there’s nothing like anticipation.

Re-rated at the launch at Bar Edwards. First rating was at beervana where my palate was dirtied from about 20 tastings before. (handpump) Pours black with red edges, and a smooth brown head which diminishes. Aroma is incredibly full of hops, smells like an IPA! There is some kind of fruit there, perhaps orange, a smooth aroma. Hops come through strongly on the initial taste and the burnt malt chocolaty characters of a stout come in behind the hops. Hoppy bitterness linger for some time after along with some chocolaty flavour. (draught) On tap the beers aroma is somewhat musty, aromas are smoother when handpumped. The beer also loses some of its hoppy impact, but the chocolate flavours are much more pronounced on tap. This is probably due to the colder temperature muting the hops. Still amazing on tap but better from handpump. This is my favourite dark beer yet, so unique and tasty!

I’ve got to say that my initial experience with pot kettle black was far from positive....sweaty armpit on the nose....surely not? Suddenly realising my proximity to the cheese stand at Beervana beer festival i concluded that was what i could smell.... Extensive further testing in a less fragrant atmosphere revealed the error of my ways and i found the beer absolutely delicious Re-rated tried on gas at bar edward....damn i love that pub and not a cheese stand in sight! Unmitigated delight! I’m a fan of dark beers.... brew enough of them but this is easily the most accessable dark beer i’ve ever tried, it’s the kind of beer that bridges the gap for people and for me that makes it brilliant! great stuff!