Station 4 Smoked Porter
West Sixth Brewing Company

Leaning heavily on it smoke character, the dark ale has strong affinities for the smoke as the similarities mount with its own coffee, toast, chocolate and seared sweetness.

Station 4's namesake even derives from fire station notions as its hues of smoldering embers. Deep carbon and earth accompany the smoky grain and wood for an aromatic smoky display. Malt sweetness greets the tongue with light caramel and toffee that supports the smoke and sing a mild porter praise.

As the flavors mount, the sweetness settles in and then slowly releases from the tastebuds. An arid toastiness carries the bulk of taste with light cola, nutty and coffee-like peripheral character. A late charge of woodsy pine and pepper peak through the smoky cast and leave the finish with smoked chocolate.

Though robust in taste, the body is medium and creamy. As the arid nature of the beer comes on strongly in the end, the beer's carbonation retreats and renders the beer somewhat still and watery instead of cask ale-like.

 

 

 

Aroma is lightly smoky and chocolatey, with a fairly large roast malt presence.

Flavor reveals much more smoke, almost peaty, but not offensively phenolic, and with a touch of green pepper character. The fairly sweet, chocolatey malt backbone blends nicely, preventing the smoke from overwhelming. There's a hint of dark fruit character, adding complexity.

Interesting blend of nuances, which results in a tasty brew.