Mark’s and Spencer’s Chocolate Porter
Siren Craft Brew

 

Two quasi-revelations here.
First, I've had several M&S branded brews. But I think I understand how they work: M&S finds out which micro is good at the brew the M&S product manager wants. M&S negotiates a contract and the brew is brewed. And M&S gets an exclusive. Second, both Sirens I had before were expensive. The M&S deal brought down Siren's price to what moves off of a grocery shelf fast. Besides it's a two-fer: a dark beer and a dessert. Such a deal !

I agree with Bevis adding this as a Milk Stout. Actually it is a Chocolate Milk Stout, not a porter. Porters typically roast their malts more and often blend fresh young and old stale in the English tradition. This M&S, it's all sweet.

M&S' chocolate dessert Looks average, a little more lasting foam and lace please. Smells tell me chocolate, lots and not too subtle. Tastes actually are more subtle in that this sugar bomb is well-contained somehow. Full-mouthed and soft. Where are the pecans in my chewy brownie?

I give very good Overall Hugs for: the M&S product strategy: Siren bringing their prices down; and not having to buy dessert tonight. Cheers !

Canned in a big old tallboy crafty craft can and purchased from the big store Mark’s and Spencer’s in Manchester and is exclusive to this store
Pours a very very dark brown body with big frothy tan head
Aroma is chocolate malts
Flavour is chocolate syrup and maple