U.J.P.
J. Wakefield Brewing

sick to find a pint can of this on the oregon coast at a neat little bottle shop, i didnt know they distributed anything that far or wide. i am a lush for smoked beers, and love these guys, so i was stoked on it. its of absolutely immaculate quality, rich and smooth, dry and complex, not overly smoked but certainly distinctive, these guys always hit on the dark stuff, no question about it. silky black from the can with a luxurious inch of creamy thick tan head on it, perfect retention, nice shine, really gorgeous brew. the nose is similarly awesome, earthy smoke blends right into the firework smell in the air on the beach where i am drinking this, a haphazard but sexy pairing for sure. i also get a nuttiness in the grain, bitter dark chocolate, good espresso crema, and very little sweetness anywhere, perhaps slightly english on the yeast too. the flavor is brilliant, very cohesive, it all hits at once, rich woody smoke, cocoa, charcoal, minerals, bread yeast, raisin, its amazing, dark as they come, and i love it being bitter and grounded and not at all sweet. the smoke it interwoven through the whole thing but not anywhere near overpowering, and i really dig the smooth fluffy full body, its creamy and palate coating even though its dry, seems regal and fancy and way higher end than what most others are capable of in this style. executed to an astonishingly high degree, they always deliver, and this is just fire. i wish i bought more than one can. it may also be called union jack porter, i think thats what it stands for, but my can just said ujp on it. unforgettably good, a gold standard for the style in my mind now...

 

16oz can poured into a tulip

A- pours opaque black with a one-finger creamy khaki head that reduces to a film on top

S- roasted malt, a bit of char, coffee, dark chocolate, with a smoked malt undertone that adds light aromas of campfire and smoked pork

T- a noticeable but non overpowering hit of smoked malt up front gives notes of campfire smoke and bacon, followed by charred malt, licorice, coffee and chocolate. The finish gives more light smoke and licorice

M- medium body. with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel that continues into the finish

O- just enough smoke to carry it through, but very drinkable

 

At the brewery.
Deepest black color with a thick thin caramel head with medium retention.
Aroma with notes of bacon, mild charcoal, dark fruits, cola and peppermint.
Flavor with notes of grape jam, smoked malts, Brazilian jabuticaba, grapefruit citrusy, plums, licorice and finishing with bacon. Dry and bitter aftertaste. It feels lower than its 40 IBUs.
Medium towards full body with perfect carbonation. Alcohol of 7% is leashed.
Nice American Smoked Porter that was built over smoked, roasted, fruity and citrusy notes. Worth trying.