Five Week Sail
Arches Brewing

 

 

Wanted to like this more as I like the style, but simply too thin and with too much of a sour note. The roastiness doesn't shine through as much as it should, and although sour notes are not always out of place in the style, the overall sensation of a the thin beer and the sour highlights made it a bit reminiscent of a cheap coffee.

Appearance: Dark brown with deep ruby tint. Fluffy, tan head with good retention.

Aroma: Pure dark roasted malt. Hints of caramel.

Flavor & Aftertaste: Roasted malt and hints of cocoa and caramel. Not bitter. Moderately sweet. Notes of dark fruit and esters.

Mouth-feel: Creamy, full bodied and smooth. Medium length finish with a short, mild semi-sweet baker's chocolate like bitterness.

Overall: Along with Schwarbier, Baltic Porter is among my favorite dark lager styles. This style is a bit of an odd-ball. Even though it's lagered, it's still a Porter, so don't expect Stout-like mouth-feel and flavors. Exhibits a clean, lager profile from the lager process. Creamy and smooth. You get a heavy dose of what roasted dark malt is like. Virtually no bitterness, a bit like bakers chocolate, just enough for a little balance. The dark fruit/ester flavors are appropriate for the style; but can be mistaken for sour or tartness. It's a on the low side of the ABV scale, so not quite the alcohol warmth you would expect. Solidly within Baltic Porter style.

Dark and smooth. Toffee, cocoa, roasty notes. Tan head with goos retention. Very flavorful malt forward Baltic Porter. Well crafted.