Collaboration 2012 Smoked Porter
Bristol Beer Factory

This brew is a collaborative effort between six Bristol breweries, however I have chosen to list it under BBF as that is where is was actually brewed. The six breweries involved are: BBF, Great Western, Zero Degrees, Bath Ales, Arbor Ales and RCH. Together they are Bristol United Brewers. This beer was created for the 2012 Bristol Beer Festival, and reflects a 19th century heritage that saw small Bristol breweries band together to resist a take-over from a larger rival.

A 500ml bottle with a BB of May 2013. Picked up ages ago from Beeritz in Leeds, and stored in my garage. Described on the label as a traditional dark porter with a twist; plenty of English hops and an addition of smoked malt.

Poured into a tulip pint glass. Bottle conditioned. A dark reddish-brown hue with light carbonation. Produces a decent head of creamy beige foam that lasts for a while before settling as a surface layer. Aroma of dark roasted malt with hints of burnt grain, molasses, mild coffee, smoked malt, dried fruit, grass, faint chocolate and earthy yeast. Rich and delicious.

Tastes of roasted malt with a smoky character and a dry, bitter finish. Notes of burnt grain, molasses, coffee, smoked malt, faint kippers, dried fruit, a hint of chocolate, earthy yeast and stewed hops. Highly attenuated, with a strident malt-driven bitterness upon swallowing. Mouthfeel is smooth, tingly and bone-dry, with pleasant carbonation and decent body for the style. Rather astringent, with an aftertaste of bitter roasted malt, stewed leaves and mild smoke.

Good stuff - a quality porter with great depth of character. Looks nice, and the aroma and flavour are rich and complex. The smoked malt is noticeable but subtle. Good body. A tasty brew that showcases the best of collaborative brewing - one can only hope that they might do it again.