Ursa Major Baltic Porter
Ecliptic Brewing

Brewed with Blackberries and Black Currants, from the tap at Ecliptic, Ursa Major pours nearly pitch black but for deep walnut highlights. A foamy khaki head lays on top and laces nicely to sides of the glass.

A deep roasty character paves the path for a subtle but noticeable dark fruit back drop. Heavily toasted bread and spicy notes complete the picture.

The flavor follows in a round about fashion. Roasty malts, toasted bread, burnt sugar, piney and sappy hops come before a well displayed blend of dark fruits.

A well balanced beer, the bitterness comes mostly from a toasted character, sweetness and the slightest bit of tartness from the fruit, and not a notion of the alcohol comes through. However, a slightly over carbonated feel leaves this a bit tingly, where I believe a smoother feel might have been beneficial.

Overall, this is a well made fruited porter where the adjuncts did not distract from the base beer. If the feel were a bit smoother, this would be a great Baltic Porter, and it still arguably is just that. Cheers!