Smoked Porter | Stone Brewing
Brewed by:
Stone Brewing
California, United States
stonebrewing.com
Style: Smoke Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 5.90%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
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.
Added by kbub6f on 03-18-2002
HISTOGRAM
View: Beers | Place Reviews
Ratings: 4,203 | Reviews: 1,816
Reviews by ritwingr:
3.99/5 rDev -0.2%
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.
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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.
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More User Reviews:
4.5/5 rDev +12.5%
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.
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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.
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4.32/5 rDev +8%
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.
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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.
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2/5 rDev -50%
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.
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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.
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4.01/5 rDev +0.2%
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.
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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.
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4.14/5 rDev +3.5%
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.
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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.
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4.12/5 rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep brown with some ruby tint to it with a light but creamy looking almond colored head,the aroma is very nice I think the light smoky hints along with the chocolate almost makes a fudge brownie aroma is it just me?Taste is very earthy with a raw peanut flavor with the smokiness coming in late that lingers definant resiny hop flavor intermingaled in there as well.A pretty complex beer very worthy of its high marks in my humble opinion.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a deep brown with some ruby tint to it with a light but creamy looking almond colored head,the aroma is very nice I think the light smoky hints along with the chocolate almost makes a fudge brownie aroma is it just me?Taste is very earthy with a raw peanut flavor with the smokiness coming in late that lingers definant resiny hop flavor intermingaled in there as well.A pretty complex beer very worthy of its high marks in my humble opinion.
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4/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A great dark pour, very nice muddy-tan head, and an awful lot of carbonation & lacing...the nose was subtle on smoliness i found, more present were some roasted malts & cocoa notes...the taste seemed more stout-like to me, some dark chocolates, roasted malts and rich creaminess...the smokiness creeped in subtley mid-sip and didn't overpower the other nice qualities of this beer....a nice coffee-bean bitterness lingered...mouthfeel was both lively and rich and offered up some creamy texture...great drinkability, complex enough to sit and sip but fresh & lively enough to consume at will...i thought it was well balanced and the subtle smokiness was plenty for this beer
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A great dark pour, very nice muddy-tan head, and an awful lot of carbonation & lacing...the nose was subtle on smoliness i found, more present were some roasted malts & cocoa notes...the taste seemed more stout-like to me, some dark chocolates, roasted malts and rich creaminess...the smokiness creeped in subtley mid-sip and didn't overpower the other nice qualities of this beer....a nice coffee-bean bitterness lingered...mouthfeel was both lively and rich and offered up some creamy texture...great drinkability, complex enough to sit and sip but fresh & lively enough to consume at will...i thought it was well balanced and the subtle smokiness was plenty for this beer
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3.93/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this on tap.
Pours a dark black color with a slight reddish tint and a tan head, approximately 1/2", a good looking beer.
Aroma - chocolate, roasty, but I did not pick up much smoke which is fine with me.
Taste delicious, a little roasty, a little hint of coffee that finishes crisp and somewhat dry. Without the smoke It was a bit like a stout.
Mouth feel - smooth and very drinkable. Another fine product from Stone Brewing.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this on tap.
Pours a dark black color with a slight reddish tint and a tan head, approximately 1/2", a good looking beer.
Aroma - chocolate, roasty, but I did not pick up much smoke which is fine with me.
Taste delicious, a little roasty, a little hint of coffee that finishes crisp and somewhat dry. Without the smoke It was a bit like a stout.
Mouth feel - smooth and very drinkable. Another fine product from Stone Brewing.
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4.7/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a moderately deep garnet with excellent clarity. A tan very long head settles to a quarter of an inch of foam and leaves some lacing on the glass.
A smooth smoke aroma blends nicely with a roasted malt aroma. There is also supporting malt character aromas of bready, toffee and chocolate. Hops aroma is not perceptible. There are mild dark fruit esters of prunes and figs.
There is a perfect balance of dark malt and smoke flavors that progresses to a roasty dry finish. A medium sweetness with some toffee and chocolate notes blended with a moderate hop bitterness.
The is a rich, complex porter with a nice balanced smoke character underlining and supporting the key porter qualities.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a moderately deep garnet with excellent clarity. A tan very long head settles to a quarter of an inch of foam and leaves some lacing on the glass.
A smooth smoke aroma blends nicely with a roasted malt aroma. There is also supporting malt character aromas of bready, toffee and chocolate. Hops aroma is not perceptible. There are mild dark fruit esters of prunes and figs.
There is a perfect balance of dark malt and smoke flavors that progresses to a roasty dry finish. A medium sweetness with some toffee and chocolate notes blended with a moderate hop bitterness.
The is a rich, complex porter with a nice balanced smoke character underlining and supporting the key porter qualities.
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4.03/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: solid two fingers worth of toffee colored heard with good retention. The seemingly black pour is actually the darker side of mahongany when held to the light.
S: Overwhelming bouquet of malt sweetness. I've said this before but the aroma reminds me of my days as a baker when I would first open a tub of malt.
T: Very malty sweet with a real apparent smoke/coal taste that I haven't decided on yet. There is a nice hop accent in this porter which I was not expecting. The robustness created by the smoke is very "as advertised", but I don't know if it is necessarily for me. I've seldom had a smoked beer actually taste smoked, so I guess this one is spot on for its style.
M/D: Very smooth and very very big. I may have to acquire a taste for this style, but I'm sure that won't take long.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: solid two fingers worth of toffee colored heard with good retention. The seemingly black pour is actually the darker side of mahongany when held to the light.
S: Overwhelming bouquet of malt sweetness. I've said this before but the aroma reminds me of my days as a baker when I would first open a tub of malt.
T: Very malty sweet with a real apparent smoke/coal taste that I haven't decided on yet. There is a nice hop accent in this porter which I was not expecting. The robustness created by the smoke is very "as advertised", but I don't know if it is necessarily for me. I've seldom had a smoked beer actually taste smoked, so I guess this one is spot on for its style.
M/D: Very smooth and very very big. I may have to acquire a taste for this style, but I'm sure that won't take long.
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4.03/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Stone Smoked Porter 5.9% alcohol. Poured from a 22oz bomber into a German Becker.
A- Pours a opaque fluid that barely shows light on the edges. Heavy two inch head lingers with sticky lacing clinging.
S- Roasted malts and coffee grinds upfront with light vanilla cream hints.
T-M- Sweet creamy coffee with massive malt charactor. Carmel malts are appearent with a light hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is rich and creamy excellence. Smooth carbonation and milky feel make for a great drink.
D- Will drink again but not sure when... if givin i'll put it down. Cheers!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Stone Smoked Porter 5.9% alcohol. Poured from a 22oz bomber into a German Becker.
A- Pours a opaque fluid that barely shows light on the edges. Heavy two inch head lingers with sticky lacing clinging.
S- Roasted malts and coffee grinds upfront with light vanilla cream hints.
T-M- Sweet creamy coffee with massive malt charactor. Carmel malts are appearent with a light hop bitterness. Mouthfeel is rich and creamy excellence. Smooth carbonation and milky feel make for a great drink.
D- Will drink again but not sure when... if givin i'll put it down. Cheers!
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3.68/5 rDev -8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Brixies in Brookfield Il, served in a shaker pint glass
It pours a very dark brown with a dense cream head. Medium to heavy lacing stuck to the glass sides
The nose has a medium level of dark smoked malts and behind that some nice chocolate smells.
The taste has a pretty typical porter flavors with some chocolate and coffee and then behind that the smoke starts, it's on the low to medium level. i personally prefer when a beer says its smoked for it to bring it and this is more of an approachable smoked beer.
About half way through the sip my mouth seems to dry out. i get this sometimes with some smoked beers. It's really wierd and it's like cottonmouth. It's not a terribly bad thing and pretty subtle but I'd prefer it wasn't there. I don't even have a clue as to what causes it. The carbonation level was too high as well.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Brixies in Brookfield Il, served in a shaker pint glass
It pours a very dark brown with a dense cream head. Medium to heavy lacing stuck to the glass sides
The nose has a medium level of dark smoked malts and behind that some nice chocolate smells.
The taste has a pretty typical porter flavors with some chocolate and coffee and then behind that the smoke starts, it's on the low to medium level. i personally prefer when a beer says its smoked for it to bring it and this is more of an approachable smoked beer.
About half way through the sip my mouth seems to dry out. i get this sometimes with some smoked beers. It's really wierd and it's like cottonmouth. It's not a terribly bad thing and pretty subtle but I'd prefer it wasn't there. I don't even have a clue as to what causes it. The carbonation level was too high as well.
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4.14/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from 22 oz. Bomber into a pint glass.
A- Dark dark brown with a three finger, thick creamy off white head.
S-Dark chocolate and then you are hit with billowing smoke in the nose. It is a great toasty, smoky, malty smell that invigorated your olfactory senses.
T- Dark bittersweet chocolate with charred malts and a drop of liquid smoke. Awesome!
M- Now we get to mouthfeel where I cant can't start with the word dark. Medium thickness and carbonation. Not bad...
One of the best smoked porters that I have had. This gives me a new respect for the style. it is not overwhelming and in your face but balances out nicely on the palate.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Poured from 22 oz. Bomber into a pint glass.
A- Dark dark brown with a three finger, thick creamy off white head.
S-Dark chocolate and then you are hit with billowing smoke in the nose. It is a great toasty, smoky, malty smell that invigorated your olfactory senses.
T- Dark bittersweet chocolate with charred malts and a drop of liquid smoke. Awesome!
M- Now we get to mouthfeel where I cant can't start with the word dark. Medium thickness and carbonation. Not bad...
One of the best smoked porters that I have had. This gives me a new respect for the style. it is not overwhelming and in your face but balances out nicely on the palate.
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4.08/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Picked this up at the Liquor Stop in Highland, Indiana after a visit to 3F. $5.29 for a 22oz.
A: Carbonation went hogwild with this one. The fairly gentle pour gave me a 5 finger head spilling over the glass. When it came back to it's senses, it was a nice creamy, fine, fluffy head. Reddish, brown - almost black liquid. Some ruby showing at the edges. The lacing was insane after all of that head action. Big topographical and stalactite shapes. Handsome looking beer.
S: Nice subtle sour roasted malt. Slight smokiness to it. Smoke same out in force when the beer warmed up more.
T: The last one I had was over chilled and it was horrible. I served this a little warmer than recommended and it was a great decision [pats self on back] because it was a lovely drink. Not a show off by any means but just what I like in a porter. A little sourness at first with the roasted maltiness following. The finish gave me an almost black currant type sweet/tart hint which was nice. After the second pour and it had warmed up more, I liked it even more. The head became darker and the maltiness took on a much more smokey personality. There was chocolate too. Really enjoyable.
M: Medium bodied. Quite smooth but carbonation is too prickly for me.
D: A really nice porter but way too over carbonated. Not jumping to the top of my porter list but I would be happy to drink it again and recommend it to anyone.
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
Picked this up at the Liquor Stop in Highland, Indiana after a visit to 3F. $5.29 for a 22oz.
A: Carbonation went hogwild with this one. The fairly gentle pour gave me a 5 finger head spilling over the glass. When it came back to it's senses, it was a nice creamy, fine, fluffy head. Reddish, brown - almost black liquid. Some ruby showing at the edges. The lacing was insane after all of that head action. Big topographical and stalactite shapes. Handsome looking beer.
S: Nice subtle sour roasted malt. Slight smokiness to it. Smoke same out in force when the beer warmed up more.
T: The last one I had was over chilled and it was horrible. I served this a little warmer than recommended and it was a great decision [pats self on back] because it was a lovely drink. Not a show off by any means but just what I like in a porter. A little sourness at first with the roasted maltiness following. The finish gave me an almost black currant type sweet/tart hint which was nice. After the second pour and it had warmed up more, I liked it even more. The head became darker and the maltiness took on a much more smokey personality. There was chocolate too. Really enjoyable.
M: Medium bodied. Quite smooth but carbonation is too prickly for me.
D: A really nice porter but way too over carbonated. Not jumping to the top of my porter list but I would be happy to drink it again and recommend it to anyone.
1,406 characters
4.13/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Poured from a bomber into a pint glass
Pours very dark brown with a solid 3 fingers of rocky light brown head. Good head retention and pretty decent lacing.
Smell is largely of roasted sweet malts and hints of coffee. Decent, modest, and enjoyable.
Solid flavor! A fantastic flood of malts heavy in chocolate and coffee but not overwhelming. Finish starts sweet but ends in a bitterness that reminds me of a dark powdered cocoa and that cool smokey element seems to be underlying throughout. This might be my new favorite porter!
Mouthfeel is heavy but not overdone. Carbonation is light but lasting and helps to give a creaminess to the whole thing. Drinks incredibly smooth which lets this one go down very easy. Nice!
One additional note: reading the back of the bottle gives insight into some food pairings that go well with this brew - including PB&J sandwiches. I had to try it, and I must say that it was a very good match! If you like beer and food, check this one out! Very cool.
993 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Poured from a bomber into a pint glass
Pours very dark brown with a solid 3 fingers of rocky light brown head. Good head retention and pretty decent lacing.
Smell is largely of roasted sweet malts and hints of coffee. Decent, modest, and enjoyable.
Solid flavor! A fantastic flood of malts heavy in chocolate and coffee but not overwhelming. Finish starts sweet but ends in a bitterness that reminds me of a dark powdered cocoa and that cool smokey element seems to be underlying throughout. This might be my new favorite porter!
Mouthfeel is heavy but not overdone. Carbonation is light but lasting and helps to give a creaminess to the whole thing. Drinks incredibly smooth which lets this one go down very easy. Nice!
One additional note: reading the back of the bottle gives insight into some food pairings that go well with this brew - including PB&J sandwiches. I had to try it, and I must say that it was a very good match! If you like beer and food, check this one out! Very cool.
993 characters
4.8/5 rDev +20%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Yet another great brew from the people at Stone, who have yet to let me down and are now my all time favorite brewery. This one poures a very dark brown, almost black with a small head that leaves decent lace around the glass. The smell reminded me of the Arrogant Bastard Ale but with a hint of smoke, chocolate and coffee added to it. The taste is right on: little bit of hop bite at the beginning, then the smoked flavor comes in along with a hint of malt and chocolate, and finishes with a crisp coffee flavor. This one would go great with some bar-b-q'd burgurs....awesome brew!
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
Yet another great brew from the people at Stone, who have yet to let me down and are now my all time favorite brewery. This one poures a very dark brown, almost black with a small head that leaves decent lace around the glass. The smell reminded me of the Arrogant Bastard Ale but with a hint of smoke, chocolate and coffee added to it. The taste is right on: little bit of hop bite at the beginning, then the smoked flavor comes in along with a hint of malt and chocolate, and finishes with a crisp coffee flavor. This one would go great with some bar-b-q'd burgurs....awesome brew!
583 characters
4.17/5 rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours from the bomber a deep black with a small tan head forming. Hints of red try to peek out of the edges when help up to the light. The smell is roasty with chocolatey tones wafting in. Some hops and smoky notes are present as well. Quite unique.
The first sip hits upfront with a some nice roasted barley and chocolate tones. Creamy flavors are present along with quite a noticeable smoke flavor on the back of the palate. This is one of the most interesting porters I have yet to try. The smoky taste lingers in my mouth after each sip.
Mouthfeel is good and right on for the style. Medium bodied with good carbonation. Drinkability on this one is good, however I can't see myself having many. The smoky flavor doesn't really do it for me. However, it is easy to drink and is totally worth a try. Thank to ppoitras for the chance to try this intirguing brew.
870 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pours from the bomber a deep black with a small tan head forming. Hints of red try to peek out of the edges when help up to the light. The smell is roasty with chocolatey tones wafting in. Some hops and smoky notes are present as well. Quite unique.
The first sip hits upfront with a some nice roasted barley and chocolate tones. Creamy flavors are present along with quite a noticeable smoke flavor on the back of the palate. This is one of the most interesting porters I have yet to try. The smoky taste lingers in my mouth after each sip.
Mouthfeel is good and right on for the style. Medium bodied with good carbonation. Drinkability on this one is good, however I can't see myself having many. The smoky flavor doesn't really do it for me. However, it is easy to drink and is totally worth a try. Thank to ppoitras for the chance to try this intirguing brew.
870 characters
3.74/5 rDev -6.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Finally picked up a bottle of this while I was in Colorado for a couple of weeks. I've been wanting to try it for a while now. I had this one while chilling in my tent in RMNP during a rain storm one afternoon.
Really nice looking brew. Nearly opaque but with some brown fringes. Lots of tan head, thick lacing. Light aroma though. Sweet milk chocolate exclusively. The taste is a step in the right direction though. Light smokiness initially then bittersweet chocolate. Slight sweetness in the middle. Finish has a nice roasted bitterness. A touch of earthy hops. Okay mouthfeel. A bit thin, coats well and the flavor lingers though. Good drinkability overall. A nice beer with some nice smokiness and a good overall flavor. Goes down easy.
744 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Finally picked up a bottle of this while I was in Colorado for a couple of weeks. I've been wanting to try it for a while now. I had this one while chilling in my tent in RMNP during a rain storm one afternoon.
Really nice looking brew. Nearly opaque but with some brown fringes. Lots of tan head, thick lacing. Light aroma though. Sweet milk chocolate exclusively. The taste is a step in the right direction though. Light smokiness initially then bittersweet chocolate. Slight sweetness in the middle. Finish has a nice roasted bitterness. A touch of earthy hops. Okay mouthfeel. A bit thin, coats well and the flavor lingers though. Good drinkability overall. A nice beer with some nice smokiness and a good overall flavor. Goes down easy.
744 characters
4/5 rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A_Dark brown with a thick white head. Decent lacing.
S_Mostly just roasted barley.Picking up a little smoke.
T_Roasted barley,bittersweet chocolate,vanilla and a hint of smoke. Wouldn't guess this was a smoked beer on a blind taste.
M_Thinner than I expected but nice body.
D_Easily put down a few of these.
311 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A_Dark brown with a thick white head. Decent lacing.
S_Mostly just roasted barley.Picking up a little smoke.
T_Roasted barley,bittersweet chocolate,vanilla and a hint of smoke. Wouldn't guess this was a smoked beer on a blind taste.
M_Thinner than I expected but nice body.
D_Easily put down a few of these.
311 characters
3.9/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This is only the second offering I have ever had from Stone brewing, the first being the Vertical '05.
I suppose trying the Vertical first off the bat set the bar pretty high, as I had high hopes for the smoked porter. I enjoyed the porter - it just didnt quite live up to expectations.
There was really more of an oak taste than a smoked taste to this beer. But I'm fine with that. Very smooth and not all that heavy in the mouthfeel. Not overpoweringly rich, which is also a good thing.
I dunno... I just hoped for something a little more complex or "deeper" overall. This was still a great porter, but only slightly above the other better smoked porters I've had. It didn't blow away the competition like I thought it would.
736 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This is only the second offering I have ever had from Stone brewing, the first being the Vertical '05.
I suppose trying the Vertical first off the bat set the bar pretty high, as I had high hopes for the smoked porter. I enjoyed the porter - it just didnt quite live up to expectations.
There was really more of an oak taste than a smoked taste to this beer. But I'm fine with that. Very smooth and not all that heavy in the mouthfeel. Not overpoweringly rich, which is also a good thing.
I dunno... I just hoped for something a little more complex or "deeper" overall. This was still a great porter, but only slightly above the other better smoked porters I've had. It didn't blow away the competition like I thought it would.
736 characters
Smoked Porter from Stone Brewing
Beer rating:
4 out of
5 with
4,203 ratings
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