Old Smokey (Black Silk Smoked Porter)
Bluegrass Brewing Co. - East St. Matthew's

From the moment I got near this growler, sent by stalwart bluegrass state BA Sheepnutz, the smoke wafted out and invaded the air. Once poured into a deserving glass, it seemed calmer, more subdued and refined, but bursting with character. Woody, roasty, possessing a good portion of char, deep and resonant, a more complex aroma than I've ever gotten from a smoked brew before. Appearance is dark brown, peeking reddish at the base, with a big, bubbling, toasted tan head that diminishes in due time.
Taste: Surprisingly smooth at first, then the smokiness creeps back up from the throat, coating the palate through and through. There's an underlying cocoa/coffee flavor one would expect from a porter, but it's nearly smothered entire by the smokiness. Somehow, though, it's terrifically integrated and, again, staggeringly smooth. Actually, the effect is more of a tango, you taste more of a typical porter at first, then, step two, the smoke takes over.
Damn, this is good! I like porters that abundantly flavorful, but still can be downed like a session brew, and this one fills the bill pretty well. Rewards with each new sip. Very good one, and I must say I've never been disappointed by Bluegrass!

Thanks, Sheepnutz!

This beer won the gold medal this year at GABF, topping even Alaskan Smoked Porter. On tap poured from growler into a tulip-style glass. It pours a deep black color with two fingers of medium-tan head. There is lots of sticky lace left on the glass. The smell is full of slightly smoked malt, molasses, and caramel. The taste is of burnt malt that is just slighty smokey. There is some coffee flavors, and a good dose of alcohol in there as well. Just a little bit of hops on the finish. The mouthfeel is very thick, but super smooth, living up to it's name. The drinkability is fantastic, and this growler will soon be gone!