P.H.A.T. Porter
Evil Twin Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, what makes a porter phat? After drinking for a bit and trying to figure out the beer's signature flavors or something that makes it unique, I keep coming back to the full flavor and texture in the middle give the beer a robust or fat impression.

And its phat characteristic plays on the beer's appearance as a dense creamy froth rises from the beer and nearly overcomes the glass. Sandy tan in its color, the meringue is very sturdy and leaves intricate lacing patterns in its wake. But underneath that, the porter remains the steady dark brown hue with absolute opaqueness- the quintessential character for well made porters.

Strong aromas of bold roasted coffee and cocoa powder become the focal points to the nose. Complementary notes of mild smoke, heavy toast, light earthen peat, burnt wood, roasted walnut, and a rich malty scent of heavy whipping cream gives the aromas something more than just coffee and cocoa.

The beer's lush taste still hinges on the coffee and bittersweet chocolate interplay, but is woven together by the strong malted milk flavors that remind me of milkshakes. A tangy yougurt-like flavor accompanies the malt and keeps the complex tastes coming. As the beer tapers toward finish, a balanced earthy bitter flavor of oily walnut, campfire embers, char, and mild roast bring the flavors to a close.

Fully robust in texture, a supple sip expands delightfully in the mouth with its billowing carbonation and bready malt textures. It seems that the dextrin-rich character provides a marshmallowy feel that could be cut with a knife. But as the carbonation slowly recedes, it takes with it the slim residual sweetness so that the beer finishes malty-dry, slightly warm, and with a hint of tangy acidity.

P.H.A.T is definitely a fat porter that promotes richness, robustness, and cream over that of drinkability or refreshment- It's a porter that's sure to delight lovers of coffee and latte.

Served on tap at Bad Apple. Appearance is dark with tan head. Aroma features chocolate, and a funky lactic barrel character. This smells like a slight infection is taking on this brew. Taste is more of the same, dark cherries, oak, lactic sourness, and chocolate. Mouthfeel is thin and lightly carbonated. Overall, not impressed with this one.

 

 

Pours a black color. 1/3 inch head of a tan color. Good retention and good lacing. Smells of roasted malt, sweet malt, and dry hop. Fits the style of an American Porter. Mouth feel is smooth, clean, hint of tartness, and an average carbonation level. Tastes of roasted malt, slight sweet malt, oatmeal, dry hop, and a hint of alcohol. Overall, good appearance, feel, blend, and body.

 

 

On-tap at DBGB Kitchen & Bar, New York, NY

A: The beer is almost jet black in color and has garnet glimmers around the edge of the glass when it is held up to the light. It poured with a thin beige head that faded away, leaving only a very thin ring of bubbles around the edge of the glass.
S: There are moderately strong aromas of roasted coffee beans in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and seems to have a good amount of malts compared to other beers in the style. It has a slight amount of bitterness.
M: It feels medium-bodied and a bit smooth on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: I really liked the amount of flavors that this beer packs in while still being easy to drink and quite sessionable.