That is, unless we mentally start cataloging other beers in similar categories, perhaps ranking the one we're currently enjoying against any number of historical drinks, measuring all relevant data points against BCJP standards and deciding how this one stacks up against the competition. At this point, "session" beer is just another meaningless beer geek term, where everything is analysis, consideration, and contemplation. Welcome to my world. So...regardless of their broader definitions, especially for this blog, a beer is still a beer in need of review.
Duck-Rabbit Brewery bills themselves as the "dark beer specialists". They appear to be a small-scale operation out of NC, and been here in GA for several months, though this is first time I've tried their beers. Part of my delay was in which style to choose, not seeing a sample pack available, but I eventually settled on what is probably my favorite beer from our English brethren, the porter. Granddaddy to English and Irish stouts, the porter is the first mass-produced beer of Industrial England, the preferred drink of the working class. Porter production went to near-extinction after WWII, only to be revived by American home and craft brewers in an attempt to taste a bit of history.
Duck-Rabbit's version pours a very dark brown, nearly black with a relatively small off-white, one-finger head that seemed to dissipate rather quickly, leaving a soapy lacing that accompanied the rest of the session.
The nose is full of roasty, slightly burnt malt, with vague vapors of chocolate and coffee.
Mouthfeel was medium, not overly carbonated but creamy with some "rough" edges. I later found out that the creaminess probably comes from the oats added to the mash.
The same roasted malt presence in the nose dominates the taste, accompanied by a slightly burnt character. There is also a very vague notion of wood and tobacco that may have been the hops coming underneath the malt. My glass was empty in no time, and a very nice aftertaste of burnt malt lingered as a reminder.
I found this to somewhat rough and raw, and thoroughly enjoyable. A true session beer in any season and an excellent porter.
Labels: beer reviews