Shanco Dubh Porter - Whiskey Barrel Aged Porter
Brehon Brewhouse

 

 

L: Pours a dark caramel, forming a robust, fluffy tan head that is slow to fade. Nice foamy retention on the surface and a thick ring of lacing.

S: Roasted malts, char, and dark chocolate. Cacao nibs almost. Bitter.

T: Plenty of dark chocolate, roasted malts. Very heavy malt influence, lending an astringent character to the swallow. Some light hops as well.

F: Medium-bodied. Moderate carbonation. Creamy, smooth mouthfeel.

O: Very good porter, doesn't stray from what works - loads of chocolate and roasted/charred malts.

Black and opaque poor and look in the glass; dense, thick head, tan with a sculpted, creamy texture. Fine nose; subtle chocolate and roasted grain notes; white oak wood. Fantastic taste; rich cocoa and deft milk chocolate infused with a whiskey-like backdrop and aged oak. Heavy body; rich, dense, silky and velvety on the palate; a playful whiskey warmth; silky residual sugar smoothness with a deft touch of woody dryness at the finish.

I'm very pleased to experience an Irish porter. This likely is a first for me. The beer itself is quite pleasant and intriguing. There is no mention of what sort of whiskey barrel was used for the barrel aging, but the process and result indicate a restrained hand was used. It truly helps complement the rich dark malt sweetness and feel of the beer. I hope to try other beers from this 'new to me' Irish brewery. My introduction to them has been quite enjoyable.

ABV: 8.8%; pouring temperature: 43.7 °F; bottling info: BEST BEFORE 02-2029 BATCH NO. B643
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

500 ml wax capped bottle, best before/batch number block on the label is blank. Thanks to Brutaltruth for this one! Served in a snifter, the beer pours dark brown/black with about a half inch or so tan head. Head retention and lacing are both good. I like the aroma, the brew smells like dark chocolate, vanilla, whiskey, and some oak. Taste is similar to the aroma, but with the addition of some roasted malt and licorice flavors. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit slick and has a low/moderate amount of carbonation. Easy enough to drink. I thought this was a good overall brew, worth trying if you come across some!

 

From the 500ml bottle in a snifter. This solid little porter pours
a muddled dark blackish brown with a nice head of khaki big bubbled
foam that settles to a thick ring, thick clumping layer, and displays some
nice light lacing. Nose of mellow whiskey, subtle oak, vanilla, chocolate malt,
and dark roasted malts. Flavors follow the nose with whiskey drenched vanilla,
chocolate, moderate char, oak, and roasted goodness. Mouth feel is medium,
subtle English style carbonation, lightly coating, and lightly warming.

Overall, a solid little new to us brew.

Cheers