Ryder's Rye Porter
Nedloh Brewing Company

 

 

 

This beer was served on tap at Nedloh Brewing Company’s taproom in Bloomfield, New York. It arrived in a flared tasting pint, showing an oily licorice coloring. It held the thinnest tan pencil of a head, which left surprisingly fluffy ridges of lacing around the glass. No haze or sediment was appreciable, and carbonation appeared to be slow in the mud of the brew. The aroma wafted up with celery mineral bite, harsh rye grainy grit, smoked black and caramel malty sweetness, cola syrup, roasted coffee beans, corny adjuncts, clean vanilla freshness, Elmer’s glue, green tea leafiness, coppery molasses twang, blackcurrant and plum fruitiness, warming boozy spiciness, and medicinal phenols. The flavoring was sweeter and richer, with more deeply roasted chocolate and coffee maltiness, hearty ryes, creamy espresso, aloe stickiness, smoldering tobacco ember, nutmeg and black pepper spice, milk chocolate syrups, vegemite metallics, whole wheat breadiness, chemical and plastic phenols, Styrofoam peanuts, black cherry flesh and juice, and graham cracker butteriness. The body was medium to full, and a bit chewy, while the carbonation was solidly medium. Slurp and smack off the top were velvety smooth, despite little bubbliness or headiness. Cream and froth were moderate, but enough to coat and oil the mouth before a final soft, chalky dryness. The abv was appropriate, and the beer drank easily.

Overall, this was a great beer. Being the last tasting of our night at the tasting room, and leaving a nice air on our palates, we went home with a growler of this one. We were actually even able to woo some traditional non-crafters at home into sampling this fine beverage, and as far as we could tell, it was generally enjoyed by all. There is enough rye in the malt bill for those of us looking for it, but not enough to kick it into the realm of some bizarre or over-the-top specialty style that wouldn’t appeal to the masses. This is aided by a nice roast, helping to keep these flavors blended and at bay, while the soft, thicker mouthfeel makes it just that much more pleasurable to quaff. Highly recommended.

 

Had in a tasting glass at the Grand Opening.

Look- looks about average for a porter, maybe a bit more opacity than I'm used to.
Smell- doesn't smell like the full-bodied porters I'm used to. Much lighter nose. Not offensive though, just different...
Taste- thin flavour profile, lacking the depth of most porters. Strange off flavour on the finish. Reminiscent after taste of the Berliner Weiss (not good for a porter!!!)
Feel- like the taste, it is too thin for a porter. Need more proteins/ unfermentables?

Overall- a lousy porter. Will not be having again.