Bahl Hornin Leeber Zeese Oatmeal Porter
Anderson Valley Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

I appreciate tenderbranson69 sharing this w/ carlos and me. Enjoyed from the flip top 1 liter in a few pint glasses.

This beer drew me in with the appearance. It is an onyx shade with only a smidge of dark cocoa at the base with a very creamy tan cap that clings on the glass in rings. The smell is slightly fruity on first whiff with mild yeast ester and hint of herbal hops w/ a light toasted and subtle roasted grain aroma which is augmented by subtle caramel notes. The feel is moderately sweet with roasted body and subtle carbonation with light bitterness and semi-sweet finish which is nicely balanced but lighter body perhaps than expected w/ slight spice of hops.

The taste is creamy and slightly roasty in the first sip with a nice mild hop flavor which is more herbal and has light citrus elements. There is a gentle caramel malt flavor which does not approach toffee with a hint of dark plum sweetness and earthy molasses in the backend. The flavor of mid range chocolate semi-sweet is nutty with an element of spice that coalesces in the blend. Overall I was happy to try this and feel it is a great beer for the type of situation it was enjoyed in -brewing a batch of stout out on the patio in the spring. A very good porter with an almost silky body yet dry enough on the finish with nice balance of hops and malt.

A: Pours a nice dark brown with light tan foamy cap around, nice lacing.

S: Light and malty with slightly hopped goodness.

T: Taste is of toasted malts warm rich and roasted talk malts.

M: Moutfeel is a bit thin not quite as heavy as I thought it would be.

O: Overall a very drinkable beer and can't wait for another.

Poured on tap at Rattle N Hum NYC into a shaker pint glass.

Tan head of one finger presented, kind of styrofoamy looking but with good retention. Body color is classic dark walnut brown, but venue makes it hard to evaluate appearance.

Nose is pretty non existent. Faint malt, mild roasting character. Not much else.

Palate improves also matching what is on the nose. Mid palate brings some nice milk chocolate, aftertaste brings some of the matching roast character. Unfortunately the palate feel is too wet and watery and doesn't bring out a nice malt richness.

Overall its not bad, but the weakness in feel doesn't bring out the taste very well. I am not exactly desiring or feeling a need to want to have this again. Its unfortunately not that memorable.

 

back charged 32 oz growler into a duvel tulip at 50 degrees.

A: dark brown, light head, outer ring retention

S: everything is subtle here from a nose, very faint

T: nothing stands out, mild roasting to say the least

M: quite thin, but to be expected from a 5% oatmeal, medium carbonation

O: nothing fantastic here, everything is subtle won't repeat the buy

Poured on-tap at an AV tap takeover and served in a tumbler pint, the beer is an extremely dark brown coloring with auburn highlights. A thin, foamy, light brown head of about an eighth of an inch. Aromas are roasted hazelnut and toasted cereal, with a slight coffee backbone. The coffee comes a little stronger in the flavor, with a smooth dryness to the body. Some dark chocolate on the palate, also, which strengthens the dry feel. The aftertaste is quick, with a coffee bitter and a slight sweetness that is dark fruit in nature. Maybe dates or fig. Good cling along the glass while you drink. The finish is dry and quick. Good porter.