Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Peppermint Porter
Alltech's Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co.

I've kinda had a soft spot for Alltech's/KBB Brewing stuff for the last few years, as some of their dumb ideas actually end up coming across pretty fun and enjoyable. Peach Barrel Wheat? Yup, that's cool. Blackberry porter? Also good. You get the picture. Their original offering isn't great, but some of the deviations have ruled. Anyway, I've only had a few beers with peppermint (or mint in general) added, so this should at least be an interesting brew to drink and review.

The pour is a very dark ruby/garnet color with some brunette undertones. Interestingly enough, it's 100% clear, and I can even see through to the other side if I hold it up to direct light. Weird for a porter, especially a stronger American one, but I accept it. Unique, if nothing else, right? Head is a light khaki color measuring a half-finger at its highest point, and it leaves behind absolutely zero lacing even into a clean glass. Not impressive on that front, but overall, this doesn't look too bad.

Upfront, this smells like dark chocolate and peppermint (basically peppermint bark), which isn't surprising, but the scent itself is absolutely decadent and entrancing. I think the oak bourbon barrels really play a big part in bringing out the nuance and character of both the malts and the natural additives here, as the slight tannic and vanillin-toned nature of them helps play up the bold elements this commands. I really enjoy how this one comes across immediately, and I'm hoping it drinks just as nicely.

Alright, so this is stronger than I expected given the flavors and feel on my first few sips. I couldn't find the ABV on the bottle anywhere, but I drank a couple sips and said to myself "huh, feels like maybe 6%? Nice, moderate body and low-ish carbonation...," then I saw that it's apparently a hair over 8% ABV. Jeez, guys. Way to hide it. I get big chocolate (at once both milky-sweet and a touch dark n' bitter) and a lot of fun, zippy mint in the mid-palate. The finish is a little earthy and herbal with almost a hint of citrus, as well as maybe an iota of the hefty ethanol content. Oak-led vanilla and a bit of toffee/treacle come out as it warms, and the finish is even more lingering, palate-numbing mint with a vivacious and characterful feel. Yeah, this is a pretty damn good one. It could be a tad richer tasting and have a bit more body (and roast; it's a porter, after all, right?), but it works for what they were going for, and that's good enough for me.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was really hesitant to try this. I mean, beer and mint? Sounded horrible. I asked for a sample and the bartender said she loved it. It was amazingly good. I was shocked it worked. I cannot do the fancy reviews of all the adjectives, but I can say it was smooth, deep in a rich toasty way with a really cool mint finish. I have no idea why this worked, but it did. You will like it or hate it. My husband hated it. I loved it

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s like you took a standard dark beer and melted a few peppermints into it. Replace the white with stout in the green peppermints

This was definitely the best thing I've had from this place so far for sure. Chocolatey peppermint notes that aren't overpowering and full body. Beer is exactly what it says it is and does it well

Looks very much like your quintessential porter. Deep mahogany liquid with a sandy head.
Smells like . . . you guessed it, Bourbon and Peppermint.
The taste is not pleasing for me. I am a big Porter and Bourbon Barrel fan but not crazy about peppermint. And that make this beer kinda suck for me.
All I sense it peppermint burning in my throat.
Overall: I took a chance on this Porter and lost. I believe this one is going down the drain and I'm one that HATES to dump a brew.