Smoke House Porter
Moat Mountain Smoke House & Brewing Co.

Enjoyed from a growler. Dark brown (light black?) pour with a thin tan head. Aroma of roasted malt, charcoal, roasted nuts and grains. Taste is baker's chocolate, roasted malt, light-roast coffee grounds and biter hops. Finishes bitter and dry; light, easy drinking, very well made porter.

Possibly the best beer I've tried from these folks. Hit all the right notes of a dark and roasty American porter without a ton of the smoke character to be too overwhelming. Very good stuff and I'd buy it in cans if available.

 

Tap at John Goffe's Bedford.
Solid dark brown with a minimal head. Earthy caramel and light chocolate on the nose. Flavor follows with some roast and hints of dark pitted fruits. Decent porter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A = I enjoyed this on tap, but in a plastic cup at a local ski area's pub, so it was hard to really judge the appearance properly. It is a coffee-colored brew, with a medium, short-lived head, but I think that may have been the cup.

S = Lovely porter smell. Malty and yeasty, with a slight coffee and interesting "other" detected.

T = Outstanding. I drank three pints over the afternoon and my palate did not tire of the flavor. The malts are nicely balanced, no over-hopping, and there is no unpleasant, lingering aftertaste. Finishes very clean..

M = Lighter than some porters on the palate, but the flavor was definitely not lacking. Did I mention that it finishes clean?

O = One of my favorite porters, and I wish it were sold by the bottle. I may have to go back to the ski area pub soon! It is light enough to pair well with any pub menu offering, and for the hop-weary palate, this would make a very welcome alternative. Don't let your "dark beer phobia" keep you from trying this one, if you're lucky enough to have it as an offering!