Sandy Paws (2017)
Heater Allen Brewing

 

 

 

Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark mahogany brown with a thin, light khaki head that dissipates to patches with light lacing. Aroma of mild dark toasted malt, light molasses and a little coffee, somewhat subdued. Flavor is dark and biscuit malt, malted milk balls (malt and chocolate), light coffee, developing a graham cracker or light caramel note into a malty finish with light hop bitterness. Medium bodied with nice light creaminess and great mouth feel. I'm not getting the dark fruit I expect from a Baltic porter, but this is roastier and darker than a winter warmer, so I'm happy with this as a winter Baltic porter. Lots of maltiness here, bordering on dobbelbock and old ale territory, and mixing the styles well. Quite different, but perfect for this colder weather heading into the holiday season. Nicely done.

This tastes more dark lager-y than baltic porter-y, but I gather the history of the beer, past and present, is complicated. It's a nice seasonal offering from these great artisans down in McMinnville, but has neither the depth or complexity I'd expect of a truly great dark lager (or Baltic porter). Nevertheless, it is awfully smooth, and was quite quaffable.