Smoked Imperial Porter
Ethereal Brewing

Not letting go of winter, the brewers at Ethereal roll into spring, maybe hanging up their stouts but not ready to retire their porters. So their spring porter is going to be a big one, because cool weather can still happen.

Very dark brown and perhaps mistaken for stout, the swirling creamy that mounts upon the Smoked Imperial Porter releases a bold set of roasty, toasty perfumes that reel in the nose with dark roast coffee, dark chocolate, campfire and roasting walnuts. Malty focused and equally as roasty, the sweetness of burnt caramel and toffee bring a soothing flavor to the early palate.

As the dark ale rolls across the middle palate, the sweetness recedes and the roasted flavors of near espresso, bittersweet chocolate and roasted walnut once again win out the malty battle before the savory and light smokiness pulls from the roast and leads into a light spice and woodsy hop balance.

Full bodied and nearly nougat-like, the beer's creamy texture trends dry with a coffee liquor simmering warmth and the arid nature of roasted grains. A long linger of mild smoke outlasts the coffee and cocoa that begs for a pairing with brisket.