Barking Fish Porter
Two Rows Restaurant & Brewery

A: Dark brown almost black. Almost no head and no lace as the bar tender pours me a pint.
S: An odd and unique buttery aroma is present. It is not really to my liking, but it is not that bad. Some sweet roasted malt is detected as well to balance the nose.
T: Lots of sweet malt, but not much else. No depth at all.
M/D: Thin and watery. Pretty easy drinking though.

I found this to be a sub par porter. Maybe that is because it is one of my favorite styles and I hold it to a higher standard than others. All in all, not the worst porter ever but I am not a fan of this beer.

I'm reviewing this for the second time because the quality of the beer at Two Rows has improved over the past year or so. The color is almost black with a decent-sized head. The aroma is of a mildly strong combination of chocolate malt aroma and roast. The taste of Barking Fish has improved dramatically since I last reviewed this beer. The chocolate and roast flavors are now rich and layered, with just a touch of hop towards the finish. None of the watered down sensation or chalkiness is present. This is now a porter very well worth having.

Menu description is as follows:
“Black malt and chocolate malt used in the mash result in the dark color and also give this beer a roasty flavor. American grown Cascade and imported English Fuggle hops contribute to its complex character.”

Pours black ruby in color with a creamy tan colored head that quickly vanishes completely leaving not even a trace of remaining lace. In fact, even vigorous swirling of the glass cannot bring back even a hint of head. Nose is fresh coffee with a touch of malt. Medium to full in body and quite smooth. Taste is sweet roasted malts at first but is quickly overpowered by notes of dark coffee and bitter chocolate. A decent brew and one of Two Rows better offerings.