Breakfast Porter
Green Bench Brewing Co.

i have long been a proponent of putting good maple syrup in good espresso and espresso drinks. i learned this technique from drlovemd87 some years ago, and it has become part of my routine. i think the flavors of coffee and maple match up superbly well, but so infrequently does this transfer over well into beer. this is one of the first ive had to do it this well. the coffee it bitter and heavy on the roast, especially with the dark malts in here, there is a very solid and sturdy and robust bottom end. the maple is beautiful too, and while the beer is definitely a little sweeter than i like in something i am going to drink a lot of, i certainly am glad all its flavor is not fermented out with the sugar. it reminds me of home, and the maple is pure and good here, and quite highly dosed. the combination of the two flavors together is just outstanding. supported by notes of drak chocolate, molasses, and even toasted coconut for a flash, there is lots going on, but its all complimentary and delicious. maybe a touch light on body for how deep it is, but its smooth and comforting in the belly. i know these guys a lot more for their saisons and wild ales, and this bumps them up a peg for me, being able to brew a beer like this so well is a nice arrow to have in the quiver. extremely well done, and not to be missed for the maple freaks like myself out there...

 

 

On-tap at the brewery in St. Petersburg. The aroma of Breakfast Porter is faint coffee and sweet maple syrup. The taste has a mild roastiness and lingering sweetness. Gets much better as it warms up.

 

Arrives a snifter full of black, viscous-looking, liquid (think old engine oil) with a brown head. Retention is good.
Smell is weak but with notes of toasted malts, maple syrup, caramel & nuts. Balance is good.
Taste is much more pronounced with toasted malts, caramel, maple syrup, weak coffee and a hint of black pepper.
Body is just over medium, effervescence is restrained. Fairly smooth and easy to drink.