Smoked Porter
Stone Brewing
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- Smoke Porter
Ranked #6 - ABV:
- 5.9%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #5,218 - Avg:
- 4.03 | pDev: 11.17%
- Reviews:
- 1,820
- Ratings:
- From:
- Stone Brewing
- California, United States
- Avail:
- Year-round
- Wants
- 207
- Gots
- 526
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Notes:
A porter with hints of chocolate & coffee balanced by subtle smokiness
First Release: December 1996
When first released, our smoky version of a traditional English porter was ahead of its time. Today, it's a highly regarded staple among craft beer fans and our go-to food complement, pairing effortlessly with all kinds of cuisine, from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to braised pork belly and apple pie. This worldly libation is dark, smooth and complex, with chocolate and coffee flavors suffused with subtle smokiness from the addition of peat-smoked malt.
First Release: December 1996
When first released, our smoky version of a traditional English porter was ahead of its time. Today, it's a highly regarded staple among craft beer fans and our go-to food complement, pairing effortlessly with all kinds of cuisine, from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to braised pork belly and apple pie. This worldly libation is dark, smooth and complex, with chocolate and coffee flavors suffused with subtle smokiness from the addition of peat-smoked malt.
Reviews: 1,820
| Ratings: 4,211
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Reviews by Patlee3324:
4.29/5 rDev +6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
More User Reviews:
4.32/5 rDev +7.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a deep mahogany color, mostly black, especially when viewed in dim lighting, some dark ruby highlights around the edges. Super thick and creamy tan head that sustains and leaves some excellent lacing behind, something that seemingly all Stone brews do.
The aroma hits you before you bring the glass to your nose. Roasted, dark malts, some dry cocoa powder, slight char, some leafy, ashy, and dry hop character. The smoke is hard to notice at first, maybe because the beer is a little to cold. Upon warming up a bit, the smoke definitely comes out and becomes quite nice. Liquid smoke, burnt wood, campfire char - it adds such a great element to an already aromatically pleasing beer.
Stone Smoked Porter tastes exactly like the nose would lead you to believe it tastes. Roasted, nearly burnt malts, dry, light cocoa, bitter coffee beans, herbal hops that are just bitter enough to be called "perfect", and of course, a helpful heaping of smoke. Just like on the nose, the smoke comes out more and more on the palate as the beer warms up. It goes from being a tertiary flavor to a primary flavor over the course of 15-20 minutes.
Along with the smoked flavors comes the charred woodiness and an even more intense roasted profile that sticks with you through the aftertaste. A delicacy that coats your palate and keeps the flavor in your brain long after it's gone. The body is heavy and creamy, not quite chewy, nice amount of carbonation in this one.
Had this a long time ago, didn't care for it. Had it again recently and loved it. Smoke can be a touchy subject in the world of beer when not left in the most deft of hands (Heller-Trum), but it works perfectly here and isn't anywhere close to overpowering. Plus, only 4-5$ for a bomber? What a steal. One of the best smoked beers I've had to date, for many reasons.
1,829 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Pours a deep mahogany color, mostly black, especially when viewed in dim lighting, some dark ruby highlights around the edges. Super thick and creamy tan head that sustains and leaves some excellent lacing behind, something that seemingly all Stone brews do.
The aroma hits you before you bring the glass to your nose. Roasted, dark malts, some dry cocoa powder, slight char, some leafy, ashy, and dry hop character. The smoke is hard to notice at first, maybe because the beer is a little to cold. Upon warming up a bit, the smoke definitely comes out and becomes quite nice. Liquid smoke, burnt wood, campfire char - it adds such a great element to an already aromatically pleasing beer.
Stone Smoked Porter tastes exactly like the nose would lead you to believe it tastes. Roasted, nearly burnt malts, dry, light cocoa, bitter coffee beans, herbal hops that are just bitter enough to be called "perfect", and of course, a helpful heaping of smoke. Just like on the nose, the smoke comes out more and more on the palate as the beer warms up. It goes from being a tertiary flavor to a primary flavor over the course of 15-20 minutes.
Along with the smoked flavors comes the charred woodiness and an even more intense roasted profile that sticks with you through the aftertaste. A delicacy that coats your palate and keeps the flavor in your brain long after it's gone. The body is heavy and creamy, not quite chewy, nice amount of carbonation in this one.
Had this a long time ago, didn't care for it. Had it again recently and loved it. Smoke can be a touchy subject in the world of beer when not left in the most deft of hands (Heller-Trum), but it works perfectly here and isn't anywhere close to overpowering. Plus, only 4-5$ for a bomber? What a steal. One of the best smoked beers I've had to date, for many reasons.
1,829 characters
4.5/5 rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance Very dark, almost black, with a gorgeous foamy volcanic head that held onto the inside glass.
Smell Big flavor of burnt malt, molasses, and huge brown sugar. Theres also some budding bread in there and probably a lot of other things but its tough to get through the malt aroma. Certainly all the standard dark flavors (as mentioned) along with coffee, cocoa powder, banana, and other dark fruits.
Taste The smoky flavor is more at the finish. Up front theres the huge flavors presented at the nose. The malt dominates but everything else is there as promised. The studious taster will also find hops for balance
I would also like to point out a fantastic trick. I enjoy the aroma of chocolate the most as youd find with cocoa power (chocolate and sugar kind of) but the taste I like best like chocolate chips (Nestle, for instance). The chocolate in this one comes out as powder in the nose and semi-sweet eating chocolate in the flavor. Well done.
Mouthfeel Little carbonation in accordance with the style. This one is smooth, smooth, smooth.
Drinkability I sucked this down while in the kitchen making tacos. It goes great with anything, including Mexican food, steak, chicken, or Cheerios.
Comments Not only is this a terrific brew, but it hit my personal preferences right on target. Awesome!
Update: The 2004 is wound a bit tighter than the 03. The heavy flavors are bigger and the lighter fruits and sugars are faint. This is a terrific candidate for cellaring.
1,526 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Appearance Very dark, almost black, with a gorgeous foamy volcanic head that held onto the inside glass.
Smell Big flavor of burnt malt, molasses, and huge brown sugar. Theres also some budding bread in there and probably a lot of other things but its tough to get through the malt aroma. Certainly all the standard dark flavors (as mentioned) along with coffee, cocoa powder, banana, and other dark fruits.
Taste The smoky flavor is more at the finish. Up front theres the huge flavors presented at the nose. The malt dominates but everything else is there as promised. The studious taster will also find hops for balance
I would also like to point out a fantastic trick. I enjoy the aroma of chocolate the most as youd find with cocoa power (chocolate and sugar kind of) but the taste I like best like chocolate chips (Nestle, for instance). The chocolate in this one comes out as powder in the nose and semi-sweet eating chocolate in the flavor. Well done.
Mouthfeel Little carbonation in accordance with the style. This one is smooth, smooth, smooth.
Drinkability I sucked this down while in the kitchen making tacos. It goes great with anything, including Mexican food, steak, chicken, or Cheerios.
Comments Not only is this a terrific brew, but it hit my personal preferences right on target. Awesome!
Update: The 2004 is wound a bit tighter than the 03. The heavy flavors are bigger and the lighter fruits and sugars are faint. This is a terrific candidate for cellaring.
1,526 characters
3.99/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours nearly jet black with a beautiful dense Carmel colored head having average retention and above average lacing.
I didn't catch much "smoke," but it's a ver nice American Porter. Feel is a little thin for a porter, but tastes quite agreeable. Slight chocolate presence. Hops just kick in at the very end and only faintly. No alcohol burn at all.
Could be a bit more robust....but I'd definitely drink it again. And will.
431 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Pours nearly jet black with a beautiful dense Carmel colored head having average retention and above average lacing.
I didn't catch much "smoke," but it's a ver nice American Porter. Feel is a little thin for a porter, but tastes quite agreeable. Slight chocolate presence. Hops just kick in at the very end and only faintly. No alcohol burn at all.
Could be a bit more robust....but I'd definitely drink it again. And will.
431 characters
2/5 rDev -50.4%
Pretty bland, not a whole lot of interesting characteristics. Considering it is made by Stone, you kinda sip down wondering if you're just missing something, expecting it to maybe come out a bit more as it warms, but it never happens. This might be one of the most "meh" beers I have ever had and by far the worst Stone. Tastes more like Miller or Budweiser attempted to make C.D.A.
382 characters
Pretty bland, not a whole lot of interesting characteristics. Considering it is made by Stone, you kinda sip down wondering if you're just missing something, expecting it to maybe come out a bit more as it warms, but it never happens. This might be one of the most "meh" beers I have ever had and by far the worst Stone. Tastes more like Miller or Budweiser attempted to make C.D.A.
382 characters
4.01/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I'm glad I read the review by @biegaman below before writing, as he has straightened out my expectations for this beer. I was expecting a mindblowingly flavorful rauchbier-style porter - something smokey, rich, and hearty. That's only partly what I received, but also not what I should have anticipated.
The smokey flavor isn't at the forefront of the palate or nose, but more in the finish and aftertaste. Closer to the front end is the classic porter notes - toasted barley, a bit of coffee, and an earthy sort of bitterness. Well balanced, this beer isn't too sweet or rich, but very smooth and easy to drink. It's got a medium body and head for days - seriously, it stuck to my mustache for about 5 minutes without me noticing.
If you're expecting a smokey beer, look elsewhere. If you want a smooth, flavorful (but not overpowering) porter with a respectable ABV that goes well with rich foods, cold weather, and good company in the living room (beef stew and my girlfriend on a 35 degree day in my case), this is a good, reasonably priced and easily accessible option.
1,082 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
I'm glad I read the review by @biegaman below before writing, as he has straightened out my expectations for this beer. I was expecting a mindblowingly flavorful rauchbier-style porter - something smokey, rich, and hearty. That's only partly what I received, but also not what I should have anticipated.
The smokey flavor isn't at the forefront of the palate or nose, but more in the finish and aftertaste. Closer to the front end is the classic porter notes - toasted barley, a bit of coffee, and an earthy sort of bitterness. Well balanced, this beer isn't too sweet or rich, but very smooth and easy to drink. It's got a medium body and head for days - seriously, it stuck to my mustache for about 5 minutes without me noticing.
If you're expecting a smokey beer, look elsewhere. If you want a smooth, flavorful (but not overpowering) porter with a respectable ABV that goes well with rich foods, cold weather, and good company in the living room (beef stew and my girlfriend on a 35 degree day in my case), this is a good, reasonably priced and easily accessible option.
1,082 characters
4.14/5 rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not all dark beers are black and opaque. Stone Smoked Porter may look intimidating from a distance but closer inspection reveals that it's closer in appearance to tea than coffee; stripes of earl grey colouring highlight small bands of transparency that expose the beer for actually having a fairly clear complexion.
The English porter is a beautiful thing to smell - especially when it's done by Americans. This aroma has the sooty, lightly smoky, roasted grain and coffee notes characteristic of the style but with a hint of earthy-green vinous hops as well (Mt. Hood and Magnum). It's got a pretty strong bark for a beer's that's bite fails to top 5% alcohol (5.9%) and barely exceeds 50 IBU.
With Rauchbiers smoke is by definition the number one component. This isn't up for debate. Smoked Porters, on the other hand, this is not necessarily the case. It's not uncommon for smoke to be the second or third flavour noted. In this example it's even further down the ladder - chocolate, vanilla beans, coffee and roasted grain all place well ahead of the smoke, which is actually tame as an old family dog.
I've met many people that claimed not to like smoked beers but admittedly like Stone's Smoked Porter. There's good reason - not only is the smoky element extremely subtle and well-integrated, the source of "smoke" is peated malt instead of beechwood-smoked. This means there's no sausage, bacon or cured meat flavours to put anybody off. By the same hand, there's nothing notably briny or scotch-like either.
No sir, this here is simply a delectable, hearty, satisfying porter. As stated, you can expect fudgy chocolate and the kind of truffles you'd see window shopping in Paris or Brussels. There's also a maltiness reminiscent of a loose leaf oolong tea, perhaps sweetened just a little with some chestnut or other dark honey. And a big splash of Americano is added to enhance the already dark roast of the grain.
Those who've read enough of my reviews may have realized I have a thing for fireplaces - this is what living in a cold-climate will do to you. And while I've mentioned many candidates suited to cozy, contemplative fireside quaffing, Stone Smoked Porter has long been a favourite.
Rightfully so, this classic celebrates its 20th birthday this year. That's an accolade for the brewery, sure, who were among the first to offer not only a smoked porter but Double IPA, Barleywine, Imperial Stout, American Strong Ale and others. But it's also a testament to the enduring appeal of this recipe even despite newer, bolder offerings consistently coming to market. Try it if you haven't already.
2,618 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Not all dark beers are black and opaque. Stone Smoked Porter may look intimidating from a distance but closer inspection reveals that it's closer in appearance to tea than coffee; stripes of earl grey colouring highlight small bands of transparency that expose the beer for actually having a fairly clear complexion.
The English porter is a beautiful thing to smell - especially when it's done by Americans. This aroma has the sooty, lightly smoky, roasted grain and coffee notes characteristic of the style but with a hint of earthy-green vinous hops as well (Mt. Hood and Magnum). It's got a pretty strong bark for a beer's that's bite fails to top 5% alcohol (5.9%) and barely exceeds 50 IBU.
With Rauchbiers smoke is by definition the number one component. This isn't up for debate. Smoked Porters, on the other hand, this is not necessarily the case. It's not uncommon for smoke to be the second or third flavour noted. In this example it's even further down the ladder - chocolate, vanilla beans, coffee and roasted grain all place well ahead of the smoke, which is actually tame as an old family dog.
I've met many people that claimed not to like smoked beers but admittedly like Stone's Smoked Porter. There's good reason - not only is the smoky element extremely subtle and well-integrated, the source of "smoke" is peated malt instead of beechwood-smoked. This means there's no sausage, bacon or cured meat flavours to put anybody off. By the same hand, there's nothing notably briny or scotch-like either.
No sir, this here is simply a delectable, hearty, satisfying porter. As stated, you can expect fudgy chocolate and the kind of truffles you'd see window shopping in Paris or Brussels. There's also a maltiness reminiscent of a loose leaf oolong tea, perhaps sweetened just a little with some chestnut or other dark honey. And a big splash of Americano is added to enhance the already dark roast of the grain.
Those who've read enough of my reviews may have realized I have a thing for fireplaces - this is what living in a cold-climate will do to you. And while I've mentioned many candidates suited to cozy, contemplative fireside quaffing, Stone Smoked Porter has long been a favourite.
Rightfully so, this classic celebrates its 20th birthday this year. That's an accolade for the brewery, sure, who were among the first to offer not only a smoked porter but Double IPA, Barleywine, Imperial Stout, American Strong Ale and others. But it's also a testament to the enduring appeal of this recipe even despite newer, bolder offerings consistently coming to market. Try it if you haven't already.
2,618 characters
4.05/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Stone Smoked Porter pours black into the glass with a finger width creamy tan head on top. The foam dissolves quickly to a sheet on the beer leaving behind lots of spots and lines of lace.
The aroma is malty with notes of roasted malt, chocolate and toffee. A fair amount of grassy hops are also noticeable.
Each sip of this medium to full bodied beer is very smooth, creamy, lightly carbonated and dry. The flavor is malty with notes of chocolate and roasted malts along with hints of coffee and peaty smoke. Towards the end a fair amount of bitterness moves in. It finishes with grassy hops and once gone the bitterness and chocolate malt lingers on the palate.
This is a very tasty, easy drinking, fairly well balanced porter. However, I was looking for more smoke flavors and aromas considering the name of the beer.
823 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Stone Smoked Porter pours black into the glass with a finger width creamy tan head on top. The foam dissolves quickly to a sheet on the beer leaving behind lots of spots and lines of lace.
The aroma is malty with notes of roasted malt, chocolate and toffee. A fair amount of grassy hops are also noticeable.
Each sip of this medium to full bodied beer is very smooth, creamy, lightly carbonated and dry. The flavor is malty with notes of chocolate and roasted malts along with hints of coffee and peaty smoke. Towards the end a fair amount of bitterness moves in. It finishes with grassy hops and once gone the bitterness and chocolate malt lingers on the palate.
This is a very tasty, easy drinking, fairly well balanced porter. However, I was looking for more smoke flavors and aromas considering the name of the beer.
823 characters
4.23/5 rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into an Affligem chalice. Midnight black pour with a good head. Smell is of chocolate and a wisp of smoke. Taste is bang on- roasty sweetness with just the right amount of smoke. The smoke is not overpowering at all. Appropriate carbonation for the style and very drinkable. Hop presence is quite muted, at least for by Stone standards. This must be their least hopped style. A great porter in my mind.
409 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Poured into an Affligem chalice. Midnight black pour with a good head. Smell is of chocolate and a wisp of smoke. Taste is bang on- roasty sweetness with just the right amount of smoke. The smoke is not overpowering at all. Appropriate carbonation for the style and very drinkable. Hop presence is quite muted, at least for by Stone standards. This must be their least hopped style. A great porter in my mind.
409 characters
3.9/5 rDev -3.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours a heavy dark walnut color. Stately looking with its dark brown color and mahogany fringes. A full creamy oatmeal colored head forms during the pour and receeds to about 1/4". The head is very creamy looking, almost stoutish as I stare into the glass. Decent lacing, but not overly impressive.
Smells very malty, dark and sweet...almost molasses like. Slightly smokey aroma like charred wood but similar to toast as well. There is a crisp smell that I attributed to the hops off in the background.
Definitely bitter and drying...smokey with some nutty flavors. Not overly complex but pleasing to the palate.
This beer was smooth and crisp with just the perfect amount of carbonation. I would say it is on the lighter side of medium bodied and finishes slightly dry.
Very smooth and enjoyable, however this is not a beer that I would drink as a sessional. The smokiness can tend to become overbearing in large quantities. But none the less, it is a very nice beer.
982 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
This beer pours a heavy dark walnut color. Stately looking with its dark brown color and mahogany fringes. A full creamy oatmeal colored head forms during the pour and receeds to about 1/4". The head is very creamy looking, almost stoutish as I stare into the glass. Decent lacing, but not overly impressive.
Smells very malty, dark and sweet...almost molasses like. Slightly smokey aroma like charred wood but similar to toast as well. There is a crisp smell that I attributed to the hops off in the background.
Definitely bitter and drying...smokey with some nutty flavors. Not overly complex but pleasing to the palate.
This beer was smooth and crisp with just the perfect amount of carbonation. I would say it is on the lighter side of medium bodied and finishes slightly dry.
Very smooth and enjoyable, however this is not a beer that I would drink as a sessional. The smokiness can tend to become overbearing in large quantities. But none the less, it is a very nice beer.
982 characters
4.35/5 rDev +7.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very nice robust porter. Pours almost completely opaque, even backlit, though ominous, blood-red highlights are perceptible. Thin, creamy head persists throughout the 22 oz drink.
The aroma, true to style, smells of roasted coffee and perhaps charcoal.
Taste is slightly chocolately, though roasted grain dominates. Slight smokey flavor from their pete-smoked malt is detectable throughout.
Very full-bodied ale, with a slightly sweet finish. This is a very drinkable brew -- it was difficult for me to wait for the beer to warm up a bit, but well worth it! Tastes best when just slightly cool.
608 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Very nice robust porter. Pours almost completely opaque, even backlit, though ominous, blood-red highlights are perceptible. Thin, creamy head persists throughout the 22 oz drink.
The aroma, true to style, smells of roasted coffee and perhaps charcoal.
Taste is slightly chocolately, though roasted grain dominates. Slight smokey flavor from their pete-smoked malt is detectable throughout.
Very full-bodied ale, with a slightly sweet finish. This is a very drinkable brew -- it was difficult for me to wait for the beer to warm up a bit, but well worth it! Tastes best when just slightly cool.
608 characters
Smoked Porter from Stone Brewing
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
4211 ratings
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