Mexican Porter
West Sixth Brewing Company

With the popularity of their year round Pay It Forward porter, the brewers at West Sixth revamp this recipe and tailor it to the celebrations of Cinco de Mayo.

Predictably named Mexican Porter, the cinnamon and spice infused porter comes with a deep dark brown hue and crowned with a creamy sheet of foam. The bold scent of coffee, cocoa and a twinge of spice puts a robust perfume on the nose. Caramel, chocolate and a candied taste of malted milk balls roll onto the tongue along with toasty, nutty and granola remnants.

Its middle palate shows a slow recession of malt sweetness and a growing spiciness toward finish. The earthen taste of coffee and bittersweet chocolate balance the residual sweetness before its cinnamon brings a spiciness that blends seamlessly into a cayenne type spice that's slightly bolder than its soft kahlua-like alcohol.

Medium full on the tongue, the beer's elevated toast and near char adds a dryness that rides alongside the spice additions and into a luxurious coffee and cream after palate.