Midnight Madness
Rock Art Brewery

 

Poured into a nonic pint glass, the appearance was a modest dark brown/dark red color with a small tight eggshell white foamy head. This head slid off at a decent pace. Some stringy lace left some mellow returns.
The aroma had some sweet smoke/slightly like ham/bacon with some mellow smooth sweet woody character. Earthy to dark chocolate underneath.
The flavor leaned slightly towards the sweet smoke and dropped a nice dark chocolate covered meatiness underneath. Moderate aftertaste of meaty smokiness.
The mouthfeel was almost medium bodied as it seemed just a touch under and having a capable sessionability about it. Good carbonation with a certain smoothness. Mild finish of smoked meats and wood.
Overall, I liked this smoked porter and would love to have again.

 

 

 

Bought in Vermont at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury. The beer pours with a generally black, almost cola-looking, appearance. There is also thin retention with some lacing on the sides. Aromas did not seem as vocal as I would have thought. There is some smoke at the beginning of each whiff, but it sort of trails off leaving smells of an earthy tone. Taste was a bit too bitter for my personal tastes. Had an almost metallic flavor, especially with the aftertaste, mixed with maybe dark fruit and hops. The mouthfeel was probably the best dimension to this beer. The drink was highly carbonated and crisp. Overall, I was a bit overtaken by the smell and taste of this beer, but the mouthfeel was quite good.

Not a fan of the smoke!

 

 

A: crystal clear if held to the light; dark brown with ruby accents; 1 finger tan head that receded to a splotchy cap; virtually no lacing;

S: a quick whiff of earthy hops, then bittersweet chocolate and smoke;

T: bittersweet chocolate for a brief moment, then roasted grains for another brief moment before smoke takes over - it's a little overwhelming; hops are behind it, but can't be distinguished in a meaningful way;

M: medium bodied; moderate carbonation;

O: not well balanced for my taste; the character of the porter got lost behind the smoke;

Mahogany colored with ruby highlights and a beige head of foam that settles out to a thin cap. Low aroma of dark malt and herbal hops. Flavors of toasted malt, some fruity esters, hints of ashey smoke. All the flavor is in the finish, not much upfront. Thin mouthfeel, slick yet a bit tannic. Average beer.

 

 

 

 

Smoky flavor is nice. Lighter mouthfeel than I'd expect.

 

delicate with great smokey flavor and smooth mouthfeel, but very little carbonation ( they could improve the look of the beverage with greater carbonation and head.)