A Star Is Bjorn
Ex Novo Brewing

Pours a very clear, very dark brown color; nice one-finger thick head, light khaki colored, dense and creamy. Huge nose of cocoa powder and milk chocolate; elements of roasted and charred grain; hint of vanilla. The taste follows along the lines of the aroma; milk chocolate and vanilla; very mild bitterness lurking below the grain sweetness; light touch of booziness. Heavy body; silky smooth and slippery; a touch of boozy warmth.

This is a well-made Baltic porter, generally pretty balanced, very tasty, exuding great dark grain aromas, and coating the palate with delicious flavors and textures.

ABV: 8.7%; pouring temperature: 49 °F: canning info: brewed and canned in Corrales, NM; Canned 01/29/24
Source: local purchase (Coaltrain Fine Wine, Craft Beer & Spirits)

 

L - dark brown foam, midnight opaque in color, mahogany at the rim, all checks out for the style.
S - Toasted malts for days, Baltic in character in that you get some "salt" or savory smell on this, not sure how. Scents of freshly baked brown bread, some spice, biscuit.
T - Emerges as a more lightly toasted imperial stout, in porter form - all the aspects from aroma are on the palate, but liquid, savory brown bread, and toasted malt. Like medieval brown bread put into beer form. Decent spice profile without being overpowering.
F - Gracious, balanced, you don't get smacked by any alcohol burn.... fantastic. Just a great Baltic.
O - A very good example of a Baltic Porter. Really happy to see this can, not quite 2 months old (1.29.24 canning) coming out of their latest brewery in Corrales, New Mexico. I'm sad for Ex Novo fans still in Portland as much of their stuff is shutting down, but still... a really good beer to get.