Holiday On Broad St.
Varitage Brew Works

Poured from can into a shaker glass. It pours a dark mahogany with cola hues and sports a large, creamy, light khaki head and sheen of lacing insider the glass. A pleasant nose with roasted malt, freshly-brewed coffee, chocolate, tobacco smoke, and just a whiff of peppermint. The taste follows although the chocolate and peppermint bark are more pronounced than in the smell, which is a nice touch. The coffee is fresh and acidic and it has really nice roasted malt base with some char that provides balancing bitterness. I had a pour on draught at the brewery but like it better from the can. The mouth feel is also richer from the can than on draught. It is litely carbonated and the 7.5% ABV gives it good substance. Overall, this Porter has grown on me. The peppermint bark is subtle and adds an interesting note to what is a solid American Porter.

Another collaboration brew with another local business (Holsten's, of "The Soprano's" fame). Blocks of dark chocolate from Holsten's were used, along with peppermint made for a great tasting chocolate porter. I'm not a fan of chocolate & mint together so I was a little skeptical going in. The peppermint flavor did not overpower and the chocolate porter was very smooth. I enjoyed this way more than I should have . . .