Robust Porter - Vanilla
AleSmith Brewing Company

On tap at the tasting room.

A: Very dark brown, nearing black, but still clear around the edges. A half finger of fine, light tan head with excellent retention and some dots and streaks of lacing.

S: Vanilla bean. Good, like vanilla frosting which covers most of the other flavors, though some milk chocolate comes through.

T: Vanilla transitions into the roasted malt component. Here, the vanilla complements the other flavors without obscuring them. A sharp acidity is still there, and a little sweetness on the finish complements the vanilla flavor quite well. Vanilla sticks around on the long finish.

M: Medium body, ultra smooth, with medium light carbonation providing some bite.

O: A solid variation on the Robust Porter. A good level of vanilla and good drinkability. Overall, a lighter porter that doesn't reach the level decadence of Victory at Sea, although that's not really what they were going for.