Robust Porter
Cheshire Valley Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

On-tap at The Rhino

Dark brown and near black in colour, ring of tan/brown head, not much in the way of lacing. Smell is full of coffee and chocolate, roasted malts some herbal qualities as well. Taste is of coffee and rich milk and dark chocolates, some hops come in the way of a bittersweet presence, some herbal/anise flavours in the finish. Full body, creamy feel, medium carbonation, medium-full body. Top notch stuff, something I would easily revisit if I see it again.

On tap @ Burger Bar.

A - Dark brown, almost black with one finger of creamy medium brown head.

S - Roasted malts, bitter dark roasted coffee, chocolate, brown sugar.

T - Roasted malts, bitter dark roasted coffee and a hint of dark chocolate. There is a nice sweetness in the middle that is well balanced by a slight hop bitterness, creating a very nice balance.

M - Light to medium body with light carbonation.

On tap at Volo, served in a snifter.

Pours pitch black, some dark brown head (finger or so) fades to a thin film and collar. Nose has some dark roast coffee and a balance between milk and dark chocolate notes. Taste has some chocolate and coffee interplay with a smooth caramel sort of feel in the middle of the mouth. Finishes roasty and dry. Mouthfeel is ok, but I thought the carbonation was a touch high. Good drinkability. Enjoyed this one, simple and decent.

On tap at Gambrinus Bistro and Cafe. Deep opaque brown letting only small amounts of light in, creating a ruby hue. Nose of roasted malts, milk chocolate, some black coffee, floral hops. Very bitter, roasty with a milk chocolate profile that is really incredible. Hoppy, floral, with lingering bitter finish and roasty finish. Medium bodied, creamy, excellent.

sampled on cask at Volo as part of their Black Sunday festival feb 14/2010.

pours pretty much opaque black, but when held to a little light you can see a crystal clear ruby glow ad the edges. the thin layer of tan head quickly retreats and leaves no lace.

aroma is good. coffee and dark chocolate. toasted whole wheat bread. bit of biscuit. hint of alcohol. anise. touch of earthy + herbal character.

taste is good. dark chocolate and coffee. toasted multi-grain bread. bit of biscuit. caramel. bit of buttery toffee, but not enough to be offensive. light alcohol. earthy. bit of herbal character. just over medium bitterness level.

mouthfeel is nice. just over medium body. low carbonation level.

drinkability is pretty good. nice balance. the bit of buttery character is out of place for the style and takes away a bit. otherwise it's a pretty nice porter.

Volo Valentine's Day Cask Fest. Somewhat more oily and body than an Irish stout. Black with some white head and off-white lace. Average mouthfeel. Roasted flavours, and a bit of edgy acidic taste. Grows on you as you drink it, so decently drinkable.