Perkons Baltic Porter
Double Mountain Brewery & Taproom

After a wet & wild afternoon sampling beers at the rain-drenched HopsFest, we ducked into the DM Taproom for a last pint and a good meal. Perkons ("The THUNDER GOD") was a new one for me, though it came with the endorsement of brewer Charlie Devereaux, who we'd met earlier in the day. Both my wife and I ordered imperial pints of it.

The menu's description:
"In Lithuania, where Matt [Swihart, brewer}] once lost a pair of Chuck Taylors while sleeping in a public park, Perkons is the God of thunder, mountains, and fertility. Baltic Porters combine smoother Northern European cold fermentation with a big malt bill, along witha dash of good old-fashioned eastern block imperialism. (?) We used the same lager yeast strain responsible for our Pilsner to ferment this beauty. - Brewed with Gambrinus Organic Pilsner malt, Vienna malt, caramalt, black malt and crystal malt, and Sterling and Select hops. 6.5% ABV, 25 BU."

A: Nearly black, show a little red-orange blush when held to light. Not much head, just a thin ring of wheaty-tan; flecks of clinging lace stick randomly.

S: Deeply toasted grain aroma, not defined by sweetness, but certainly leaning that way. Smoky puffs with a scant lager 'tinny' twang.

T: Husky grain, smoky and grassy all at once. Malty and vaguely sweet, a caramel reduction that's a little overdone (burnt). Hints of dark fruit and a notable 'pilsner' (sour)breadiness.

M: I found this a bit crisper than others of the style and suspect the lager yeast gives it an extra carbonated kick. Medium mouthfeel, finishes with some lasting bittered char and a trace of stickiness on the lips.

D: A nice sipper on a damp, blustery afternoon. Paired well with a smoked bratwurst and cut, rather nicely, through sauerkraut and spiced mustard. I believe this is a new brew for Double Mountain; I hope it makes it to Portland at some point soon as I'd like it again.