(512) Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter | (512) Brewing Company
Brewed by:
(512) Brewing Company
Texas, United States
512brewing.com
Style: American Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 8.20%
Availability: Winter
Notes / Commercial Description:
(512) Double Pecan Porter is a robust porter accented by locally grown roasted pecans and subtly enhanced by aging in recently emptied oak whiskey barrels. For the first ever bottling, only one 200L barrel was bottled. Notes of chocolate, coffee and pecan marry with the subtle flavors of vanilla and whiskey to make this a wonderful winter warmer worth sharing and savoring. We sincerely hope you enjoy every sip.
2010 - Jack Daniels barrels
2011 - Maker's Mark barrels
2012 - Jack Daniels barrels
2013 - Maker's Mark barrels
Added by wagenvolks on 12-20-2009
Reviews: 91 | Ratings: 419
3.81/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
On tap at Bangers. Dull pour and mild aroma, but wait for it....huge taste and lingering warmth. Nutty, sweet, woody. All comes together quite nicely. Drinkable, but sip slowly, and savor....
★ 191 characters
look: 3 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
On tap at Bangers. Dull pour and mild aroma, but wait for it....huge taste and lingering warmth. Nutty, sweet, woody. All comes together quite nicely. Drinkable, but sip slowly, and savor....
★ 191 characters
4.79/5 rDev +20.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Chocolate, coffee, pecans, whiskey. Whiskey is a little too much for me. I would recommend doing some blending to chill it out a little bit. Otherwise, I always look forward to what these guys will produce!
★ 206 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.75
Chocolate, coffee, pecans, whiskey. Whiskey is a little too much for me. I would recommend doing some blending to chill it out a little bit. Otherwise, I always look forward to what these guys will produce!
★ 206 characters
1.29/5 rDev -67.7%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
I love 512 pecan porter , I always order it when I see it on tap, many times & have always loved it.! So knowing the 2014 BA pecan porter was funky tart from the infection & had to be poured out ! When I saw the (2015) I was so happy to try it. ! No,--- Not the same thing , I got a bad sour,tart flavor big time, W/ heavy carbonation totally off. ! So be aware this can be a hit or miss, cant believe (512) has not pulled this beer .? P.S. I will not stop drinking Reg, 512 pecan when I see it on tap ! I was so looking forward to this beer... ! Anyone else taste the sour, tart notes in this BA, porter.? Cheers
★ 620 characters
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1
I love 512 pecan porter , I always order it when I see it on tap, many times & have always loved it.! So knowing the 2014 BA pecan porter was funky tart from the infection & had to be poured out ! When I saw the (2015) I was so happy to try it. ! No,--- Not the same thing , I got a bad sour,tart flavor big time, W/ heavy carbonation totally off. ! So be aware this can be a hit or miss, cant believe (512) has not pulled this beer .? P.S. I will not stop drinking Reg, 512 pecan when I see it on tap ! I was so looking forward to this beer... ! Anyone else taste the sour, tart notes in this BA, porter.? Cheers
★ 620 characters
4.2/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Lone Star Taps & Caps on 11/30/2015.
The nose is wonderful and the whisky is perfectly balanced. On the taste, the whisky is a little overwhelming and intense, not balanced. Still very tasty.
★ 203 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Lone Star Taps & Caps on 11/30/2015.
The nose is wonderful and the whisky is perfectly balanced. On the taste, the whisky is a little overwhelming and intense, not balanced. Still very tasty.
★ 203 characters
1.79/5 rDev -55.1%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.75
Disgustingly infected. Smells like a bunch of mixed bottom shelf liquor mixed together in a bathtub at a frat party. Taste is boozy with an overwhelming funky tart from the infection. Can't really give any more specific tasting notes because I was so distracted by the funk. I'm normally not so negative about (inadvertently) funky beers and I suck it up when Ranger Creek does this constantly, but this pecan porter was a solid $15-20 a bottle here, so the lack of quality control is egregious. Last beer I buy bottled from 512.
★ 529 characters
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1.75
Disgustingly infected. Smells like a bunch of mixed bottom shelf liquor mixed together in a bathtub at a frat party. Taste is boozy with an overwhelming funky tart from the infection. Can't really give any more specific tasting notes because I was so distracted by the funk. I'm normally not so negative about (inadvertently) funky beers and I suck it up when Ranger Creek does this constantly, but this pecan porter was a solid $15-20 a bottle here, so the lack of quality control is egregious. Last beer I buy bottled from 512.
★ 529 characters
3.77/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
2015. Poured black with nice head. Head lingered longger than most porters. Very boozy smell and flavor. Doesn't seem to be 'infected' as I had heard.
★ 150 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
2015. Poured black with nice head. Head lingered longger than most porters. Very boozy smell and flavor. Doesn't seem to be 'infected' as I had heard.
★ 150 characters
1.26/5 rDev -68.4%
look: 1.5 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1.25
Bottle from 2014. Infected bottle. Gusher once opened and poured into a teku glass. Smell of pecans and a hint of whiskey. Taste very off. Sour and not in a good way. Was really looking forward to this one, big disappointment.
★ 227 characters
look: 1.5 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1.25
Bottle from 2014. Infected bottle. Gusher once opened and poured into a teku glass. Smell of pecans and a hint of whiskey. Taste very off. Sour and not in a good way. Was really looking forward to this one, big disappointment.
★ 227 characters
3.84/5 rDev -3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
2015 vintage - 3.84.
Possibly infected, slight weird tart taste uncharacteristic of a porter.
2013 vintage - 4.09.
Roasty and creamy with a nice oak, whiskey and pecan finish. Smooth as can be on the drink down.
★ 213 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.75
2015 vintage - 3.84.
Possibly infected, slight weird tart taste uncharacteristic of a porter.
2013 vintage - 4.09.
Roasty and creamy with a nice oak, whiskey and pecan finish. Smooth as can be on the drink down.
★ 213 characters
3.98/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2013 vintage
L - Pours a black coffee body with a frothy one finger head. Good retention, but not much lacing.
S - Subtle whiskey barrel notes along with faint pecans and vanilla.
T - The taste really opens up compared to the smell. More than subtle bourbon notes up front as well as vanilla, light roasted malts through the middle and roasted pecan on the end. I swear the pecan just lingers.
F - Medium bodied and medium to somewhat high carbonation. Has a wet finish. Prickly carbonation.
O - I was worried the bottle was past its prime. Aside from the somewhat muted nose, this vintage seems to be holding strong.
★ 623 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2013 vintage
L - Pours a black coffee body with a frothy one finger head. Good retention, but not much lacing.
S - Subtle whiskey barrel notes along with faint pecans and vanilla.
T - The taste really opens up compared to the smell. More than subtle bourbon notes up front as well as vanilla, light roasted malts through the middle and roasted pecan on the end. I swear the pecan just lingers.
F - Medium bodied and medium to somewhat high carbonation. Has a wet finish. Prickly carbonation.
O - I was worried the bottle was past its prime. Aside from the somewhat muted nose, this vintage seems to be holding strong.
★ 623 characters
4.26/5 rDev +6.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Jet black body with a half finger dark tan head that dissioates quickly with decent lace. Aroma is just right in strength alluding a semi sweet vanilla and whiskey dominant brew. Flavor follows with vanilla, pecan, dark cherry, mild but well applied whiskey and some mild toasty bitterness. A little off balanced by the sweetness but still very good. The fruitiness makes this one odd but doesn't ruin it.Smooth body, nice fullness for the style, little too much carbonation.
★ 475 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Jet black body with a half finger dark tan head that dissioates quickly with decent lace. Aroma is just right in strength alluding a semi sweet vanilla and whiskey dominant brew. Flavor follows with vanilla, pecan, dark cherry, mild but well applied whiskey and some mild toasty bitterness. A little off balanced by the sweetness but still very good. The fruitiness makes this one odd but doesn't ruin it.Smooth body, nice fullness for the style, little too much carbonation.
★ 475 characters
1.3/5 rDev -67.4%
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
Infection going on here. Total gusher, carbonation totally off. Some smell of pecans that I would expect, but then something else wrong here. Once the carbonation calmed down, the beer looked well enough, some hope that everything else would be alright. But from the mouthfeel it was obvious this had gone bad, just didn't seem normal. The carbonation ruined everything about this beer. Might be best to avoid bottles of this and focus on getting it on draft.
★ 459 characters
look: 2 | smell: 2 | taste: 1 | feel: 1 | overall: 1
Infection going on here. Total gusher, carbonation totally off. Some smell of pecans that I would expect, but then something else wrong here. Once the carbonation calmed down, the beer looked well enough, some hope that everything else would be alright. But from the mouthfeel it was obvious this had gone bad, just didn't seem normal. The carbonation ruined everything about this beer. Might be best to avoid bottles of this and focus on getting it on draft.
★ 459 characters
4.12/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a deep black color porter with a nice light brown foamy head with good retention and good lacing. Aroma of light roasted malt notes with black chocolates with subtle pecan notes. Whiskey notes are also easily noticeable and provided a nice smooth finish to the beer. Body is a bit thinner then I was expected with great carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Very nice beer but can’t say that pecan are as apparent as I would have expected.
★ 455 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottle: Poured a deep black color porter with a nice light brown foamy head with good retention and good lacing. Aroma of light roasted malt notes with black chocolates with subtle pecan notes. Whiskey notes are also easily noticeable and provided a nice smooth finish to the beer. Body is a bit thinner then I was expected with great carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Very nice beer but can’t say that pecan are as apparent as I would have expected.
★ 455 characters
3.75/5 rDev -6%
a great offering from local brewer 512. They added locally grown, roasted pecans to this porter & upped the ante by aging it in oak whiskey barrels. In the glass, the beer is dark black w/ a small khaki colored head. I could definitely smell the oak & whiskey in the brew. The aroma was also slightly nutty & earthy w/ a hint of chocolate. When tasting it, I could pickup the whiskey but it wasn't overpowering in this batch. Roasted malt comes through w/ pecan flavor throughout. A hint of vanilla sneaks in at the end. Despite the higher ABV, this porter is as drinkable as the regular Pecan Porter they offer. Tastes somewhat similar but this one has a lil more carbonation & the "ramped up" flavors from the whiskey barrels.
★ 728 characters
a great offering from local brewer 512. They added locally grown, roasted pecans to this porter & upped the ante by aging it in oak whiskey barrels. In the glass, the beer is dark black w/ a small khaki colored head. I could definitely smell the oak & whiskey in the brew. The aroma was also slightly nutty & earthy w/ a hint of chocolate. When tasting it, I could pickup the whiskey but it wasn't overpowering in this batch. Roasted malt comes through w/ pecan flavor throughout. A hint of vanilla sneaks in at the end. Despite the higher ABV, this porter is as drinkable as the regular Pecan Porter they offer. Tastes somewhat similar but this one has a lil more carbonation & the "ramped up" flavors from the whiskey barrels.
★ 728 characters
3.74/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
2012 vintage. Bottle into a new Belgium goblet. Shared by ejyoung.
Explodes upon touching the glass -- one part liquid, three parts foam like spun brown sugar. It eventually recedes to a thick, half-finger layer above plain black liquid. 3
Vanilla, booze, tons of toasted pecans, milk chocolate and maple in the nose. Sweet and rich. Maybe a touch metallic.
Crumbled chocolate, a touch of tangy dark fruit. The whiskey is well integrated, lending tangy booze to the chocolate malts. Pecans actually take a backseat. As it warms, sweet caramel and toasted bread emerge. Lingering chocolate bitterness and a finish of dry pecans.
Carbonation from the appearance carries into the mouthfeel, exploding when it hits the tongue. This is the main downside to the brew -- I want a heavy, thick, creamy body, not crazy Belgian bubbles.
Good flavor. A little thin, both in flavor and body, but enjoyable.
★ 903 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
2012 vintage. Bottle into a new Belgium goblet. Shared by ejyoung.
Explodes upon touching the glass -- one part liquid, three parts foam like spun brown sugar. It eventually recedes to a thick, half-finger layer above plain black liquid. 3
Vanilla, booze, tons of toasted pecans, milk chocolate and maple in the nose. Sweet and rich. Maybe a touch metallic.
Crumbled chocolate, a touch of tangy dark fruit. The whiskey is well integrated, lending tangy booze to the chocolate malts. Pecans actually take a backseat. As it warms, sweet caramel and toasted bread emerge. Lingering chocolate bitterness and a finish of dry pecans.
Carbonation from the appearance carries into the mouthfeel, exploding when it hits the tongue. This is the main downside to the brew -- I want a heavy, thick, creamy body, not crazy Belgian bubbles.
Good flavor. A little thin, both in flavor and body, but enjoyable.
★ 903 characters
4.18/5 rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Served in a tulip glass at The Bottle Shop in Dallas Texas.
A - Pours very dark with a nice brown head. Low height that dissipated rather quickly.
S - The first notes are whiskey (was told this was a bourbon barrel) with hints of roasted malt. Light pecan smells linger.
T - Starts with a nice roasted malt taste with nutty pecan very evident. The high alcohol is not noticed, but the pecan stays on the palate, along with the well balanced porter flavors. Ends with a slightly sweet whiskey finish.
M - Smooth for the high alcohol.
O - Very drinkable porter. I am a (512) Pecan Porter fan, this one adds complex whiskey notes and sweetness with a little more alcohol.
★ 673 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Served in a tulip glass at The Bottle Shop in Dallas Texas.
A - Pours very dark with a nice brown head. Low height that dissipated rather quickly.
S - The first notes are whiskey (was told this was a bourbon barrel) with hints of roasted malt. Light pecan smells linger.
T - Starts with a nice roasted malt taste with nutty pecan very evident. The high alcohol is not noticed, but the pecan stays on the palate, along with the well balanced porter flavors. Ends with a slightly sweet whiskey finish.
M - Smooth for the high alcohol.
O - Very drinkable porter. I am a (512) Pecan Porter fan, this one adds complex whiskey notes and sweetness with a little more alcohol.
★ 673 characters
4/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pitch black pour with a brown one-finger head. Smell of chocolate and oak. Initial taste is strong with chocolate and nut flavors. Medium body has continued chocolate and nut flavors backed by light whiskey, vanilla, and oak. Really complex flavor. Finishes with a touch of whiskey flavor.
★ 289 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pitch black pour with a brown one-finger head. Smell of chocolate and oak. Initial taste is strong with chocolate and nut flavors. Medium body has continued chocolate and nut flavors backed by light whiskey, vanilla, and oak. Really complex flavor. Finishes with a touch of whiskey flavor.
★ 289 characters
4.45/5 rDev +11.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Draught House on 4/7/14
A-Pours a dark brown, almost black with a big, medium thick, mocha head that recedes fairly quickly but then a small head lingers throughout. Medium light lacing and moderate legs.
S-Aroma has a moderate chocolate note with medium high dark fruit character. Medium light bourbon notes.
T-Flavor has moderate roast notes with medium light dark chocolate. The fruit character of the aroma is lighter with only hints of dark fruit. Light bourbon character with a moderate nuttiness. Finish has some bourbon and alcohol spice along with some roast malt notes.
M-Mouthfeel is medium light bodied with medium high to high carbonation.
O-Overall a great BA would like to try an aged bottle.
★ 728 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Had on tap at Draught House on 4/7/14
A-Pours a dark brown, almost black with a big, medium thick, mocha head that recedes fairly quickly but then a small head lingers throughout. Medium light lacing and moderate legs.
S-Aroma has a moderate chocolate note with medium high dark fruit character. Medium light bourbon notes.
T-Flavor has moderate roast notes with medium light dark chocolate. The fruit character of the aroma is lighter with only hints of dark fruit. Light bourbon character with a moderate nuttiness. Finish has some bourbon and alcohol spice along with some roast malt notes.
M-Mouthfeel is medium light bodied with medium high to high carbonation.
O-Overall a great BA would like to try an aged bottle.
★ 728 characters
3.99/5 rDev 0%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Fizzy light tan head that quickly goes to a cap and collar. Dark brown/black body. No lacing.
Dull whiskey notes on the nose.
Whiskey barrel gives way to nutty and roasty tones. Very drinkable for 9.5%abv
A tad overcarbonated but not enough to distract from the overall experience. Full mouthfeel.
The aroma didn't do much for me at first but I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor. Nice change of pace. Great porter/brown ale feel and taste here. Thanks Marc (mj0126)!
★ 466 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Fizzy light tan head that quickly goes to a cap and collar. Dark brown/black body. No lacing.
Dull whiskey notes on the nose.
Whiskey barrel gives way to nutty and roasty tones. Very drinkable for 9.5%abv
A tad overcarbonated but not enough to distract from the overall experience. Full mouthfeel.
The aroma didn't do much for me at first but I thoroughly enjoyed the flavor. Nice change of pace. Great porter/brown ale feel and taste here. Thanks Marc (mj0126)!
★ 466 characters
3.68/5 rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. 2013 bottle.
Appearance - Black, but brown at the edges. Nice khaki head. Medium collar.
Smell - Lots of whiskey. Nutty. Chocolatey and very oaky.
Taste - Strong whiskey and oak. Chocolate. Less intense on the nuts.
Mouthfeel - Medium body. A little thin. High carbonation.
Overall - They told me this might be infected, but it's not. Tasty stuff.
★ 390 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
750 mL bottle poured into a snifter. 2013 bottle.
Appearance - Black, but brown at the edges. Nice khaki head. Medium collar.
Smell - Lots of whiskey. Nutty. Chocolatey and very oaky.
Taste - Strong whiskey and oak. Chocolate. Less intense on the nuts.
Mouthfeel - Medium body. A little thin. High carbonation.
Overall - They told me this might be infected, but it's not. Tasty stuff.
★ 390 characters
3.49/5 rDev -12.5%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served on-draught into a 5 oz sampler glass at the Draughthouse in Austin, Texas. Reviewed from notes. 2013 vintage.
A: No bubble show forms as it's poured.
Pours a one finger wide head of tan colour. Good creaminess and thickness. Retention is bad - less than one minute. Lacing is inconsistent.
Body colour is an opaque solid black; pretty predictable for a porter. No floating yeast particles or sediment is visible. It's definitely to style, and looks good. Not unique or special, but there are no overt flaws.
Sm: There's a definite bourbon presence. Hints of vanilla, oak barrel, and lovely milk chocolate. Dark malts. Chocolate malt. Maybe some booze. Pecan nut is a highlight here; I also get some hazelnut which complements it nicely. Strangely, the pecan is more developed and evocative here than I remember it being in the base beer. I like the aroma; it's very inviting. No yeast character/hop profile is detectable. I'm really looking forward to trying it. A pleasant aroma of moderate strength.
T: Quite sweet - overly so. Sweet bourbon-induced vanilla notes, sweet chocolate, and a kiss of oak. Heavy dark malts and chocolate malts fill out the body, but sadly there's little roasted barley character to be found. Cream. Marshmallow. The pecan is quite timid (just like it was in the disappointing base beer). The barrel notes don't overwhelm the base, but they don't really complement the base either. I'd love more oak - ideally with some toasty or charred character. It has nice complexity, but not enough subtlety. Needs more of a sweet/bitter balance. Some cola and sassafras notes.
As it warms, I pick up some licorice and molasses.
There's no perceptible hop presence, nor do I pick up nay yeast or overt alcohol. Below average depth of flavour. Average duration and intensity of flavour.
Mf: A bit creamy. Smooth and wet. Slick. A bit syrupy and thick. Full-bodied. Has a ice presence on the palate. Well carbonated. A bit more dryness and coarseness would help coax out more depth of flavour.
Not oily, astringent, hot, boozy, gushed, or harsh.
Dr: Hides its ABV well. Quite drinkable. It's an enjoyable barrel aged imperial porter from 512, and I'd get it again. But it's far from world class, and the reticence of the pecan is very disappointing. I'd recommend this to friends, but this is only good where it has the potential to be great.
High B-
★ 2,387 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Served on-draught into a 5 oz sampler glass at the Draughthouse in Austin, Texas. Reviewed from notes. 2013 vintage.
A: No bubble show forms as it's poured.
Pours a one finger wide head of tan colour. Good creaminess and thickness. Retention is bad - less than one minute. Lacing is inconsistent.
Body colour is an opaque solid black; pretty predictable for a porter. No floating yeast particles or sediment is visible. It's definitely to style, and looks good. Not unique or special, but there are no overt flaws.
Sm: There's a definite bourbon presence. Hints of vanilla, oak barrel, and lovely milk chocolate. Dark malts. Chocolate malt. Maybe some booze. Pecan nut is a highlight here; I also get some hazelnut which complements it nicely. Strangely, the pecan is more developed and evocative here than I remember it being in the base beer. I like the aroma; it's very inviting. No yeast character/hop profile is detectable. I'm really looking forward to trying it. A pleasant aroma of moderate strength.
T: Quite sweet - overly so. Sweet bourbon-induced vanilla notes, sweet chocolate, and a kiss of oak. Heavy dark malts and chocolate malts fill out the body, but sadly there's little roasted barley character to be found. Cream. Marshmallow. The pecan is quite timid (just like it was in the disappointing base beer). The barrel notes don't overwhelm the base, but they don't really complement the base either. I'd love more oak - ideally with some toasty or charred character. It has nice complexity, but not enough subtlety. Needs more of a sweet/bitter balance. Some cola and sassafras notes.
As it warms, I pick up some licorice and molasses.
There's no perceptible hop presence, nor do I pick up nay yeast or overt alcohol. Below average depth of flavour. Average duration and intensity of flavour.
Mf: A bit creamy. Smooth and wet. Slick. A bit syrupy and thick. Full-bodied. Has a ice presence on the palate. Well carbonated. A bit more dryness and coarseness would help coax out more depth of flavour.
Not oily, astringent, hot, boozy, gushed, or harsh.
Dr: Hides its ABV well. Quite drinkable. It's an enjoyable barrel aged imperial porter from 512, and I'd get it again. But it's far from world class, and the reticence of the pecan is very disappointing. I'd recommend this to friends, but this is only good where it has the potential to be great.
High B-
★ 2,387 characters
4.69/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
For a special occasion in November, 2013 I cracked open my 2012 bottle of the WBADPP.
Bottle #00653
The beer foams up upon uncapping and cutting through the rock solid wax.
It pours a jet black topped by a coffee colored foam that's light and airy. This dies down in a hurry leaving liquid goodness behind.
On the nose is an evident whiskey barrel influence, although my palate and sense of smell are not discerning enough to tell what particular barrels are used.
I found some elements of dark cherries and bitter chocolate emerge, along with just a touch if vanilla and some leather.
Time has mellowed it out a bit, with a wonderful mélange of dark cherries, dark chocolate, a subdued roast and a hint of leather. Whisky kisses the palate at the end. A true imperial porter, its body doesn't cross into heavy stout territory. Has a bitter roast which gives it a great kick. Of course it tastes great. My only regret is I may never obtain another bottle of this!
Original review:
This is my 500th review.
The (512) Whiskey Barrel Aged Pecan Porter, on tap at Freetail in San Antonio.
This pours a dark brown-black, the color of burnt oak (charred staves perhaps from a barrel ready for filling?) with a thin, tight ring of foam.
The aroma has notes of bourbon mixed with a hint of dark roasted malt, the combination of their pecan porter and a barrel-aged boozy bear of a beer. As it warms there is more of a presence of dark chocolate and some coffee rounding out the aromatics, along with a touch of toffee.
The flavor has a sharp, almost harsh, upfront roastiness at first but this mellows out as it warms and opens up, releasing bourbon notes along with a sharp roast and dark cocoa as well as a dry finish. It’s not a big boozy barrel-aged beer but it does warm as it warms in the most pleasing of manners.
★ 1,830 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
For a special occasion in November, 2013 I cracked open my 2012 bottle of the WBADPP.
Bottle #00653
The beer foams up upon uncapping and cutting through the rock solid wax.
It pours a jet black topped by a coffee colored foam that's light and airy. This dies down in a hurry leaving liquid goodness behind.
On the nose is an evident whiskey barrel influence, although my palate and sense of smell are not discerning enough to tell what particular barrels are used.
I found some elements of dark cherries and bitter chocolate emerge, along with just a touch if vanilla and some leather.
Time has mellowed it out a bit, with a wonderful mélange of dark cherries, dark chocolate, a subdued roast and a hint of leather. Whisky kisses the palate at the end. A true imperial porter, its body doesn't cross into heavy stout territory. Has a bitter roast which gives it a great kick. Of course it tastes great. My only regret is I may never obtain another bottle of this!
Original review:
This is my 500th review.
The (512) Whiskey Barrel Aged Pecan Porter, on tap at Freetail in San Antonio.
This pours a dark brown-black, the color of burnt oak (charred staves perhaps from a barrel ready for filling?) with a thin, tight ring of foam.
The aroma has notes of bourbon mixed with a hint of dark roasted malt, the combination of their pecan porter and a barrel-aged boozy bear of a beer. As it warms there is more of a presence of dark chocolate and some coffee rounding out the aromatics, along with a touch of toffee.
The flavor has a sharp, almost harsh, upfront roastiness at first but this mellows out as it warms and opens up, releasing bourbon notes along with a sharp roast and dark cocoa as well as a dry finish. It’s not a big boozy barrel-aged beer but it does warm as it warms in the most pleasing of manners.
★ 1,830 characters
4.6/5 rDev +15.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Had the 2012 version most recently at the brewery's 5th Anniversary on tap. It poured a dark brown to black with a slight tan head. The aroma held deep chocolate and pecans with the whiskey barrel nose coming through. It smelled great. The flavor was an amped up version of their already wonderful Pecan Porter with the rich chocolate and pecan but the barrel aging gave it a vanilla smoothness and whiskey touch that rounded it out. A well done barrel aged beer that adds perfection to their Pecan Porter. It was nice to have it on tap at their Anniversary and my favorite of the day.
★ 585 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Had the 2012 version most recently at the brewery's 5th Anniversary on tap. It poured a dark brown to black with a slight tan head. The aroma held deep chocolate and pecans with the whiskey barrel nose coming through. It smelled great. The flavor was an amped up version of their already wonderful Pecan Porter with the rich chocolate and pecan but the barrel aging gave it a vanilla smoothness and whiskey touch that rounded it out. A well done barrel aged beer that adds perfection to their Pecan Porter. It was nice to have it on tap at their Anniversary and my favorite of the day.
★ 585 characters
3.89/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a tumbler.
2013 vintage. For a couple hours, I was referring to this brewery as "312". I've been drinkin' Goose Island for too long... Anyway, this stuff pours a very dark black-brown topped by a finger of khaki foam. The nose comprises cocoa nibs, light whiskey, and a touch of darkly-roasted nuts. The taste brings in more of the same, with the nuts/caramel mix (yeah, the roasted nuts have been dipped in some rich caramel now, which somehow hasn't diminished the roastiness any) taking astrong lead. The body is a more-than-stolid medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a smooth feel. Overall, a solid little beast, with the nuts standing out more than I thought they would.
★ 696 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Served in a tumbler.
2013 vintage. For a couple hours, I was referring to this brewery as "312". I've been drinkin' Goose Island for too long... Anyway, this stuff pours a very dark black-brown topped by a finger of khaki foam. The nose comprises cocoa nibs, light whiskey, and a touch of darkly-roasted nuts. The taste brings in more of the same, with the nuts/caramel mix (yeah, the roasted nuts have been dipped in some rich caramel now, which somehow hasn't diminished the roastiness any) taking astrong lead. The body is a more-than-stolid medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a smooth feel. Overall, a solid little beast, with the nuts standing out more than I thought they would.
★ 696 characters
4/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours dark with a small quickly dissipating light brown head. Being a bigger barrel aged beer it gets some slack.
The aromas come off like the regular version with the chocolate and pecan but get a kick of bourbon barrel. A little sweet.
Chocolate, pecan, bourbon, vanilla and at this point of the night I can't tell if the alcohol is peeking through or if it is just bourbon flavor. Lol.
Some prickly carbonation and a medium body.
Glad I didn't go crazy trying to track a bottle down around town. Worth a try especially if you dig the regular Pecan Porter.
★ 564 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours dark with a small quickly dissipating light brown head. Being a bigger barrel aged beer it gets some slack.
The aromas come off like the regular version with the chocolate and pecan but get a kick of bourbon barrel. A little sweet.
Chocolate, pecan, bourbon, vanilla and at this point of the night I can't tell if the alcohol is peeking through or if it is just bourbon flavor. Lol.
Some prickly carbonation and a medium body.
Glad I didn't go crazy trying to track a bottle down around town. Worth a try especially if you dig the regular Pecan Porter.
★ 564 characters
(512) Whiskey Barrel Aged Double Pecan Porter from (512) Brewing Company
3.99
out of 5
based on 419 ratings.
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Look: pitch black, cinnamon lacing and 3 inches of head.
Smell: whiskey, cocoa, and hint of coffee.
taste: delicious, whiskey, chocolate, raisins, and ends with a hint of pecans.
Feel: smooth, medium bodied , and flavorful.
overall: delicious
★ 245 characters