Ground Up
Trophy Brewing

Pours dark chocolate brown with ruby highlights in a big, bulky mug. A single stream of fine carbonation reinforces the long-lasting tight foam of a two-inch chestnut head. Geometric lacing and a thick blanket of foam eventually are all that is left.

The aroma has lots of chocolate malt overpowering the modest roasted coffee. Roasted malt makes a late appearance, mixed with Brazil and Hazelnuts.

The initial flavors of malted chocolate quickly give way to black coffee and light charred malt. Mild bitterness and low sweetness maintain the long coffee finish.

The body is medium to light with a creamy smooth texture reminiscent of Cool-Whip. While the alcohol is as expected, the carbonation is very soft with a light prickle. The finish has a light dryness.

Trophy brews some top-shelf beer and this is a fine example. While it is clearly in the Porter spectrum, style adherence is not the focus. I paired it with a soft, ripe Blue cheese which sweetened the Porter and sharpened the cheese.