Sea Dog Riverdriver Hazelnut Porter
Sea Dog Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- American Porter
Ranked #1,110 - ABV:
- 5.6%
- Score:
- 80
Ranked #44,214 - Avg:
- 3.52 | pDev: 14.77%
- Reviews:
- 182
- Ratings:
- From:
- Sea Dog Brewing Company
- Maine, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 7
- Gots
- 29
SCORE
80
Good
80
Good
Notes:
This beer is one of a kind! Four different malted barleys combine to create a distinctive, full-bodied beer with a roasted nuttiness, uniquely enhanced by a hint of hazelnuts. Smooth and creamy with the nose of the Willamette hop, this porter is a beer style unto itself.
Reviews: 182
| Ratings: 341
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Reviews by TheBeerAlmanac:
More User Reviews:
2.99/5 rDev -15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured from a 12-oz bottle into a pint glass.
A - Pours a dark brown with deep crystal-clear amber highlights when held to the light. Has a finger of khaki colored head that fades moderately fast. Decent lacing down the side of the glass.
S - Smells of a slightly sour, medicinal and nutty take on a doppelbock. I'm assuming it's the hazelnut flavoring that's contributing to the "off" smell I'm getting from this beer. Really quite unfortunate because I've enjoyed other hazelnut ales (Rogue). Very mild hints of alcohol and fruity red wine mixed with milk chocolate.
T - Sweet and nutty up front. Quickly followed by a surprisingly bitter burnt grain flavor. Has a definite diacetyl (buttery) presence that's a little off-putting--almost like drinking liquid chocolate buttercream frosting. Bitterness rides through the finish with some mild acidic coffee notes and chalky dark cocoa. I'm a little disappointed in the hazelnut character here. 1. Artificial-tasting. 2. Not enough of it.
M - Thin body. Prominent carbonation. Has quite a dry, but clean finish.
Overall - There are just a few too many things that are "off" with this beer for me to give it my full blessing. The aroma is not quite what I'd want for a hazelnut anything (let alone a porter). Taste is also all over the place.
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look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
Poured from a 12-oz bottle into a pint glass.
A - Pours a dark brown with deep crystal-clear amber highlights when held to the light. Has a finger of khaki colored head that fades moderately fast. Decent lacing down the side of the glass.
S - Smells of a slightly sour, medicinal and nutty take on a doppelbock. I'm assuming it's the hazelnut flavoring that's contributing to the "off" smell I'm getting from this beer. Really quite unfortunate because I've enjoyed other hazelnut ales (Rogue). Very mild hints of alcohol and fruity red wine mixed with milk chocolate.
T - Sweet and nutty up front. Quickly followed by a surprisingly bitter burnt grain flavor. Has a definite diacetyl (buttery) presence that's a little off-putting--almost like drinking liquid chocolate buttercream frosting. Bitterness rides through the finish with some mild acidic coffee notes and chalky dark cocoa. I'm a little disappointed in the hazelnut character here. 1. Artificial-tasting. 2. Not enough of it.
M - Thin body. Prominent carbonation. Has quite a dry, but clean finish.
Overall - There are just a few too many things that are "off" with this beer for me to give it my full blessing. The aroma is not quite what I'd want for a hazelnut anything (let alone a porter). Taste is also all over the place.
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4.32/5 rDev +22.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured on-tap at the Sea Dog in South Portland, the beer was served in a pint glass. It's a nice, dark brown coloring with ruby highlights on the edges, and a thick, off-white head that starts at a frothy two inches and settles quickly into a film, clinging the glass the entire time you drink. The nose is mocha and hazelnut, with a creamy and rich feel to it. The flavors are coffee and nut, with a smooth richness and slight smokiness. Very tasty. The aftertaste is a 50/50 blend of smoke and hazelnut sweetness. Delicious! The finish is smooth, and the nut lingers quite a bit. Very well blended brew.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured on-tap at the Sea Dog in South Portland, the beer was served in a pint glass. It's a nice, dark brown coloring with ruby highlights on the edges, and a thick, off-white head that starts at a frothy two inches and settles quickly into a film, clinging the glass the entire time you drink. The nose is mocha and hazelnut, with a creamy and rich feel to it. The flavors are coffee and nut, with a smooth richness and slight smokiness. Very tasty. The aftertaste is a 50/50 blend of smoke and hazelnut sweetness. Delicious! The finish is smooth, and the nut lingers quite a bit. Very well blended brew.
605 characters
3.83/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
On tap at Sea Dog, Portland, ME. Pours dark brown with off-white head and nice lacing. Aroma is of toasted malt, dark fruit and coffee. Body is full and slightly crisp. Taste is of toasted malt, coffee, chocolate, brown sugar, dark fruit and earthy hops. Finish is long and semi-sweet. Very nice porter.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
On tap at Sea Dog, Portland, ME. Pours dark brown with off-white head and nice lacing. Aroma is of toasted malt, dark fruit and coffee. Body is full and slightly crisp. Taste is of toasted malt, coffee, chocolate, brown sugar, dark fruit and earthy hops. Finish is long and semi-sweet. Very nice porter.
308 characters
3.62/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
What's better than beer....having a neighbor who's wife signed him up for monthly beer club and he can't drink them fast enough....that is where I come in....I should be a Super Friend and have a seat at the Hall of Justice....any way he didnt want his Sea Dog Hazelnut...I stepped in. The appearance was a dark amber...not quite opaque...the white head was interesteing to me...I was expecting more ecru. The nose was no question...hazelnut! There were also hints of roast. The flavor/taste was very good, but the body was lacking. The flavor screamed hazelnut coffee...I think Starbucks would be impressed....just wish it had more body. The mouthfeel was fine...very light porter...easy drinking. Worth a try....no question.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
What's better than beer....having a neighbor who's wife signed him up for monthly beer club and he can't drink them fast enough....that is where I come in....I should be a Super Friend and have a seat at the Hall of Justice....any way he didnt want his Sea Dog Hazelnut...I stepped in. The appearance was a dark amber...not quite opaque...the white head was interesteing to me...I was expecting more ecru. The nose was no question...hazelnut! There were also hints of roast. The flavor/taste was very good, but the body was lacking. The flavor screamed hazelnut coffee...I think Starbucks would be impressed....just wish it had more body. The mouthfeel was fine...very light porter...easy drinking. Worth a try....no question.
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3.02/5 rDev -14.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Appearance 3.5/5 - Dark brown to red, no sediment. No floating carbonation. Thin beige-colored head which dissipates quickly.
Aroma 4/5 - Sweet, caramel malt smell. No real hop aroma. Notes of hazelnut aren't overpowering.
Taste 2/5 - Tastes a lot like drinking a Starbucks iced black coffee - too sweet and candylike. The hazelnut hits like a ton of bricks, evolving into a wine-like character before bitter coffee character comes up the back. Slightly acidic aftertaste.
Mouthfeel 4/5 - Heavier, but still smooth. Stays that way towards the end of the beer. Carbonation is too light.
Drinkability 3.5 / 5 - A bit of warming at the end. Not much else here.
Overall: A little too sweet for my tastes, but I would be able to stomach it again.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Appearance 3.5/5 - Dark brown to red, no sediment. No floating carbonation. Thin beige-colored head which dissipates quickly.
Aroma 4/5 - Sweet, caramel malt smell. No real hop aroma. Notes of hazelnut aren't overpowering.
Taste 2/5 - Tastes a lot like drinking a Starbucks iced black coffee - too sweet and candylike. The hazelnut hits like a ton of bricks, evolving into a wine-like character before bitter coffee character comes up the back. Slightly acidic aftertaste.
Mouthfeel 4/5 - Heavier, but still smooth. Stays that way towards the end of the beer. Carbonation is too light.
Drinkability 3.5 / 5 - A bit of warming at the end. Not much else here.
Overall: A little too sweet for my tastes, but I would be able to stomach it again.
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3.7/5 rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle into pint glass
A – Massive creamed coffee head with what appeared to be light to moderate carbonation, glass clinging lace at first all disappeared, nice foam layer was retained on top, a clear dark brown brew 3.5
S – Slightly sweet malts coffee & hazelnut notes, with a bit of chocolate and oil 3.5
T – Hazelnut, coffee, roasted malts, I like that the sweetness in scent does not present as much in the taste, a well built porter that has good drinkability. Very slight smokiness. I noticed a musty earthiness coming out as it warmed. 4
M – Medium body and overall thin but still with good flavor 3.5
O – There is something meaty about this porter. Thin but nice flavor and body, a good porter but not an outstanding one. 3.5
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Bottle into pint glass
A – Massive creamed coffee head with what appeared to be light to moderate carbonation, glass clinging lace at first all disappeared, nice foam layer was retained on top, a clear dark brown brew 3.5
S – Slightly sweet malts coffee & hazelnut notes, with a bit of chocolate and oil 3.5
T – Hazelnut, coffee, roasted malts, I like that the sweetness in scent does not present as much in the taste, a well built porter that has good drinkability. Very slight smokiness. I noticed a musty earthiness coming out as it warmed. 4
M – Medium body and overall thin but still with good flavor 3.5
O – There is something meaty about this porter. Thin but nice flavor and body, a good porter but not an outstanding one. 3.5
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4.18/5 rDev +18.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Beautiful dark brown color, with a nice low head that lingers at the edges. Nice clarity but the color is so dark that you can barely tell.
Aroma: Roasted nut aroma with strong notes of hazelnut. The roasted notes commonly found in a porter are also clearly noticeable.
Flavor: Great hazelnut presence that, even though it is naturally flavored, doesn't taste artificial or fake at all. The hazelnut flavor blends very nicely with the roasted malts as well. It is a very nice pairing.
Mouthfeel: Smooth with a nice carbonation level. Has the feel of a robust porter, not a brown porter. Very easy to drink.
Overall: I really enjoyed this beer. I was afraid that it would end up being very artificial due to the flavoring but instead it tasted just what I expected it should taste like. A great accompaniment to beef and ice cream, quite the versatile beer!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance: Beautiful dark brown color, with a nice low head that lingers at the edges. Nice clarity but the color is so dark that you can barely tell.
Aroma: Roasted nut aroma with strong notes of hazelnut. The roasted notes commonly found in a porter are also clearly noticeable.
Flavor: Great hazelnut presence that, even though it is naturally flavored, doesn't taste artificial or fake at all. The hazelnut flavor blends very nicely with the roasted malts as well. It is a very nice pairing.
Mouthfeel: Smooth with a nice carbonation level. Has the feel of a robust porter, not a brown porter. Very easy to drink.
Overall: I really enjoyed this beer. I was afraid that it would end up being very artificial due to the flavoring but instead it tasted just what I expected it should taste like. A great accompaniment to beef and ice cream, quite the versatile beer!
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3.6/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Part of the first shipment of a beer club a business client of mine signed me up for. The smell is of a very rich porter with some excellent hazelnut mixed in. The taste doesn't quite live up to the smell and the carbonation was lacking a bit but nonetheless this was a solid winter session beer.
296 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
Part of the first shipment of a beer club a business client of mine signed me up for. The smell is of a very rich porter with some excellent hazelnut mixed in. The taste doesn't quite live up to the smell and the carbonation was lacking a bit but nonetheless this was a solid winter session beer.
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3.19/5 rDev -9.4%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A- pours a dark brown with a think layer of foam that slowly dissipates.
S- nutty with some caramel undertones
T- slightly nutty taste with a strong coffee resemblance
M- watery and light. the malt is a bit overwhelming and lingers
O- not bad. more of a coffee taste than a hazelnut.
287 characters
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A- pours a dark brown with a think layer of foam that slowly dissipates.
S- nutty with some caramel undertones
T- slightly nutty taste with a strong coffee resemblance
M- watery and light. the malt is a bit overwhelming and lingers
O- not bad. more of a coffee taste than a hazelnut.
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3.1/5 rDev -11.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Best before April 2012.
A: Clear, dark brown. Translucent for a porter. Nice thick head that hangs around for a while, but I'm not getting much lacing.
S: Pretty subdued smell. Nuts, vanilla, and brown sugar.
T: More vanilla than hazelnut, but otherwise the flavor is pretty meager. A bit of roast, some wet, burned toast and a faintly bitter and metallic finish. There's also something weird in there that I can't identify. In spite of all that, the hazelnut isn't overwhelming, and the bitterness is pleasant.
M: Very thin and bubbly for a porter.
O: I was expecting to not like this at all, but it actually wasn't offensive.
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look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3
Best before April 2012.
A: Clear, dark brown. Translucent for a porter. Nice thick head that hangs around for a while, but I'm not getting much lacing.
S: Pretty subdued smell. Nuts, vanilla, and brown sugar.
T: More vanilla than hazelnut, but otherwise the flavor is pretty meager. A bit of roast, some wet, burned toast and a faintly bitter and metallic finish. There's also something weird in there that I can't identify. In spite of all that, the hazelnut isn't overwhelming, and the bitterness is pleasant.
M: Very thin and bubbly for a porter.
O: I was expecting to not like this at all, but it actually wasn't offensive.
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3.6/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Look: Black with a brown ring at the bottom. 1/4 inch head and some retention
Smell: Very subtle yet nice hazelnut with hints of dark chocolate and vanilla
Taste: Wow overpowering sweetness from the hazelnut. It is a one way street with the flavor. Hazelnut, hazelnut and more hazelnut
Mouthfeel: A little watery for a porter and the carbonation is a tad to high for my liking
Overall: Kind of a hard beer to drink because of the sweetness and high carbonation. So far my experience with hazelnut in beer is less than appealing.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Look: Black with a brown ring at the bottom. 1/4 inch head and some retention
Smell: Very subtle yet nice hazelnut with hints of dark chocolate and vanilla
Taste: Wow overpowering sweetness from the hazelnut. It is a one way street with the flavor. Hazelnut, hazelnut and more hazelnut
Mouthfeel: A little watery for a porter and the carbonation is a tad to high for my liking
Overall: Kind of a hard beer to drink because of the sweetness and high carbonation. So far my experience with hazelnut in beer is less than appealing.
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Sea Dog Riverdriver Hazelnut Porter from Sea Dog Brewing Company
Beer rating:
80 out of
100 with
341 ratings
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