Blacksmith
Mobtown Brewing Company

 

Always looking for a great craft porter, I bought this without really reading any reviews, etc. A local brewery, so I knew it would be fresh. It looked great in the glass--warm black with a soft tan head and some visible carbonation. A bit of porter smoke in the nose, but nothing unexpected. Initially, all I got was foam. Then, when I tasted the liquid, I was a bit surprised at the subtle hops bitterness and a hint of pine? I wasn't expecting that and I wasn't sure what to make of it. But then I read the description ("dark chocolate rye malt, conditioned on cascade hops and juniper berries"). The taste grew on me. The "extras" really help bring the flavor forward and lighten it. Coupled with a light to med mouthfeel, it was very refreshing and I enjoyed it--even as it warmed in the glass. Very good.