The Bidwell
Parlay 6 Brewing Company

solid porter, assertively bitter, lighter in body so that aspect really stands out, good but without a lot of balance, and this will not appeal to all porter drinkers as a result. there is a hint of smoke here, an almost acrid intensity to the roasted barley, and very little middle sweetness to soften any of that, like this doent have a lot of structure or depth, just leans into the roast in all of its intensity, not a bad thing, but its with me awhile. it feels almost thin for this flavor pungency, a little more body and length would be welcomed here, but i also appreciate it just being what it is. subtle raisin, dark chocolate, and strong black coffee going on, pretty abrupt too, like it all hits at once. faint cola, burnt toast, and licorice here too, tobacco smoke. this one struck me as slightly harsh and not nearly as well refined as the best beers they make in here, maybe not quite up to the overall quality level they have established, but its distinctive anyway. for fans of a more intense porter, but to me this was lacking a little and the mouthfeel was a big part of that. bitter on the palate long after the swallow, an almost graphite minerality, some modest acidity as it warms thinning it further, cocoa character, not amazing.