Scratch Beer 125 - 2013 (Cranberry Porter)
Tröegs Brewing Company

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From:
Tröegs Brewing Company
 
Pennsylvania, United States
Style:
American Porter
ABV:
7.4%
Score:
84
Avg:
3.59 | pDev: 7.24%
Ratings:
13 | reviews: 2
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Dec 20, 2014
Added:
Dec 11, 2013
Wants:
  1
Gots:
  0
The cranberry is one of only three fruits that can trace its roots back to North American soil. Although its growing season begins in September, the cranberry is most associated with the winter season, especially around the holidays. Since this little red berry resonates with so many people during this time of year, naturally we thought, “Why not brew a cranberry beer?” Typically, cranberries are viewed as too bitter and sour to eat raw. However, this magic ingredient lends a pleasant tart, fruity finish and complements the roasty character of this robust porter, giving Scratch #125 a simple yet festive charm.

39 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
 
Rated: 3.8 by JNForsyth from Pennsylvania

Dec 20, 2014
 
Rated: 3.5 by NJBeer265 from New Jersey

Dec 02, 2014
 
Rated: 3.75 by barflybastard from Pennsylvania

Oct 24, 2014
 
Rated: 3 by curlybird from Pennsylvania

Jul 22, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by confer from Pennsylvania

Dec 26, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by IPAchris from Pennsylvania

Dec 22, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by lobos62 from Pennsylvania

Dec 21, 2013
Photo of Slatetank
Reviewed by Slatetank from Pennsylvania

3.77/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
I had this on tap at Tröegs Brewing Company served chilled in a large wheat type pint.

The color is black with dark brown highlights, the head is medium beige like toasted marshmallow with thick appearance, retention is good with fine bead and a film of lace. The smell is very fruity with a berry aroma blending with the mild roast odors and light sweet malt, but the tangy cranberry scent is noticeable. The feel is good with a moderately tangy fruity contribution yet still has a sufficient amount of roasted and slight sweetness with creamy yeast in the middle, it dries out toward the end with more acidity noticeable in the swallow.

The taste is good with some mild tangy cranberry up front which segues into a light roasted component more like sweetened coffee with a mild hint of toasted grain and woody hops perhaps adding to the acidic cranberry flavor which lingers after the finish with tart flavor. This is not a bad beer, but it isn't the best combination of fruit and dark beer I have had either. The cranberry takes over and sort of overides the porter base -not something I want multiples of but good enough to say it is worth a try.
Dec 20, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by Kegatron from Pennsylvania

Dec 19, 2013
 
Rated: 3.75 by RobertColianni from Pennsylvania

Dec 17, 2013
 
Rated: 3.25 by Johnny_V from Texas

Dec 15, 2013
Photo of orangesol
Reviewed by orangesol from Pennsylvania

3.86/5  rDev +7.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Served on-tap at the brewery.

A - Pours pitch black with a solid two finger tall off white head, quickly dissipating down to a light film, leaving small trails of lace down the sides of the glass.

S - Smells of tart cranberries, dark roasted barley and chocolate malts, caramel and vanilla sweetness and some light hop bitterness. Pretty spot on as intended.

T - Starts off with the tart cranberries quickly being enveloped by the dark roasted grains, weak coffee, caramel, vanilla and some light booze. Finish is pretty sweet with some tartness, lingering long after the finish.

M - Heavy body with moderate carbonation. Tart, roasty feel from start to finish. A bit of booze creeps in as it warms to room temperature but otherwise well hidden.

O - This one kind of tastes like some of the old world porter's I have had in the past thanks to the tartness from the cranberries. They work well with the other dark flavors and hold their own rather well. Definitely worth a try if you get the chance.
Dec 14, 2013
 
Rated: 3.5 by philbe311 from Pennsylvania

Dec 13, 2013