Fuggled Porter
Seven Sheds Brewery

On tap at St John's in Launceston.

Brown colour, really light and red-tinged when held up to the light. Head is beige, dense but some big bubbles appearing, not retaining. Not a great porter look. Too pale.

Smells of cocoa and some coffee, touch of vanilla and poached apples. Not bad, decent aromas that don't overwheelm.

Taste is roasty throughout. Touch of caramel upfront gets bitter roast with some espresso and licorice midway. Roast continues rumbling to the end where the Fuggles clean it off without adding much character. Maybe a touch of herbal note at very end. Yeah not bad; decent palate but maybe still a bit light, could use more robust roasted malts, seems faint and slightly weak in bitterness.

Surprisingly full mouthfeel, but doesn't go anywhere, feels almost soft drinky at the end.

Has some decent porter characters but feels very meek and mild. Some more malt would immediately perk this up. Even just a greater maris otter bill or something.

Robust hiss on opening. Light chocolate with an attractive cappucino head that drops busily to a minimal collar.

Nose shows plenty of smooth chocolate milk with the oatmeal presence clearly evident. Mellow brewed coffee with a host of surprisingly sweet dark fruits. There's a subtle complexity to the aromas that creeps up on you.

Flavours aren't quite as expressive. Dreamy roast, mild liquorice, cherry-ripe, and prunes. Can't pick out the hops myself.

Feel is outstandingly smooth and velvety, thanks to the oatmeal and roasted barley, with the carbonation just busy enough to compensate for the lightness.

Pity this is a one-off. Slick piece of work that is far too coherent and drinkable given the impressive ingredient list.