Rye Barrel Porter
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

Central Kentucky is well know for its burgeoning whisky scene, but its beer scene isn't all that shabby either. West Sixth Brewing and Bullet Frontier Whisky get together for a stronger porter with that extra little gumption from rye whisky.

Rye Barrel Porter pours with a rich tan lather that skirts above a very dark brown body. As a robust perfume of dark chocolate, coffee, caramel and toast roll off the rim, so does that spicy char of whisky barrels and its peppery rye balance. Sweet once on the tongue, the session starts full, rich and deep with toffee, caramel, chocolate and creamy nougat.

Without wavering in its sweeter tone, the robust porter invites a more coffee and oak heavy set of complexities to bring their peppery, earthy and spicy balance to the middle palate. As the barrels make more of an impact deeper into its taste, the husken grit of rye tempers the sweetness and brings its own peppery balance with a warming honey finish.

Full bodied, rounded and rich in finish, the long and savory aftertaste balances with sweet heat for a simmering warmth that extends deep into a long and malty-sweet aftertaste.