Chile-Vanilli Eugene Porter
Revolution Brewing

 

 

 

 

 

Surprisingly solid and robust for a porter, which usually tends to be more muted than a stout. Thick and strong malt flavors, and all coming from a can.

 

I had this on tap at the hotel I was staying at outside IOC Chicago, my second review of a Revolution brew. In general, a slightly above average porter. Color was dark as night as you'd expect, with an attractive tan head. The taste was grainy and smoky, lots of malt. Some raisin flavor that I enjoyed. Not bad.

 

Appearance:
Black as the night, just like Revolution's description says, minimal tan head, almost no lacing
Nose:
Highly roasted grains, wasn't catching much more than dark toasted malts off of this one
Palate:
Roasted malt, tons of flavor, big character! Dried fruit that was really pleasant, caramel toffee, light mouthfeel, slight finish of hop character, long lasting porter finish
Overall:
This was a great pint, loads of flavors and strong big presence that I love and demand from a porter. High caliber stuff for a cold Chicago night, it was great!

-BeerandWhiskeyHQ.com

 

 

 

Firkin at Night of the Living Ales. Served in the accompanying taster pint.

A - Thin collar of tan foam tops a very dark brown body.

S - Loads of vanilla, chocolate and caramel malt back bone, and light chiles.

T - Loads of cocoa and vanilla, more dark fruits and less roast than I expect from Eugene, and some light chile spice. There was a mild oxidized note that was a bit distracting, but it didn't hamper my enjoyment significantly.

M - Smooth, medium-full body. Soft, lower carbonation, no alcohol, but some mild chile warmth. My favorite thing about this beer.

D - I had a few of these, and I would love to try this on-tap where there's no chance for oxidation. I think this might also be better if they upped the chiles and dialed back the vanilla beans a tad, as it got a touch sweet after a while. Still, one of my favorite beers from the festival.