Scratch Beer 213 - 2015 (Cranberry Porter)
Tröegs Brewing Company

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From:
Tröegs Brewing Company
 
Pennsylvania, United States
Style:
American Porter
ABV:
7.2%
Score:
86
Avg:
3.79 | pDev: 8.44%
Ratings:
29 | reviews: 4
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Jul 12, 2021
Added:
Dec 03, 2015
Wants:
  0
Gots:
  3
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. Since this little red berry resonates with so many people during this time of year, we find it fitting to release this beer during the commencement of the holiday season. 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, providing Scratch #213 with its simple yet festive charm.

28 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Photo of rodbeermunch
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada

3.41/5  rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
This was one of those last trade extras that was thrown in right as the massive distro movement made trading seem pointless.

Pours dark brown, 3/5" beige head on top, tight, little bubbles, great retention. The aroma has the requisite roasted malt of a porter, but the cranberry itself is noticeable in a way that isn't too much nor not enough. Its there, although I wouldn't say it adds anything positive or negative.

Taste also comes across as advertised, its a cranberry porter with all the roasted malt and cranberry impact giving an ashy bitterness in the mouth feel. Not as smooth as advertised. Dry as expected. Usual references of chocolate malt impact alongside a cranberry wintery feeling. I dunno, cranberry just seems to come up short in beer for me every time. I enjoyed this initially, but every ounce after became more of a chore. Was a neat idea but in execution, it became something I was more than ready to be done with, just wasn't my cup of tea as expected, neat to try, but bye.
Jul 12, 2021
 
Rated: 3.62 by CharlesK from Pennsylvania

Jan 09, 2017
 
Rated: 4 by rdoggg from Pennsylvania

Dec 02, 2016
 
Rated: 4.74 by Mpisk931 from Pennsylvania

Oct 15, 2016
 
Rated: 3.87 by cp45 from New Jersey

Mar 29, 2016
 
Rated: 4.46 by ogman from Pennsylvania

Feb 28, 2016
 
Rated: 3.79 by jbdpsu82 from Pennsylvania

Feb 21, 2016
 
Rated: 3.34 by zekeman17 from Pennsylvania

Feb 13, 2016
 
Rated: 3.68 by AlpacaAlpaca from New York

Feb 06, 2016
 
Rated: 4.08 by Tbone2131 from Connecticut

Feb 06, 2016
 
Rated: 3.74 by WillieThreebiers from Connecticut

Feb 05, 2016
 
Rated: 3.75 by Bdel34 from Pennsylvania

Jan 26, 2016
 
Rated: 3.87 by jbaker67 from Pennsylvania

Jan 26, 2016
 
Rated: 3.67 by BigMike from Pennsylvania

Jan 22, 2016
Photo of Tucquan
Reviewed by Tucquan from Pennsylvania

3.96/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Had this on 2016-01-14 in Columbia, PA from a 12oz bottle.

A - Opaque dark brown with a 1-finger tan head that fades quickly leaving mild lace.

S - Dried cherry, cranberry, toasted bread, molasses.

T - Nice big and tart cranberry punch, roasted grain with a touch of char, dried cherries. Nice tart and mild-medium roasted bitter finish compliments the lingering fruit flavors. Pretty dry.

M - Medium body and light carbonation.

O - I enjoyed the tart cranberry flavor in this porter. I wouldn't want a case of it but it's a nice change of pace.
Jan 14, 2016
 
Rated: 3.5 by dfhhead25 from Pennsylvania

Jan 04, 2016
 
Rated: 3 by ejimhof from Pennsylvania

Dec 29, 2015
Photo of sulldaddy
Reviewed by sulldaddy from Connecticut

3.73/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
I sampled this beer on a visit to the brewery with my brother Brian. The beer is cold and arrives in a tall glass, almost a flute and is about 16 oz I think.
The beer is a cola brown with some creamy tan head resting on the surface. The aroma is just a hint of cranberry tartness and lots of roasted malt. Not really any hop presence to speak of on the beer.
First sip reveals an average body and gentle rolling carbonation. The beer feels silky smooth and all the physical traits make this a solid beer.
Flavor is only very briefly some cranberry tart and then rolls to dark chocolate and roasted malt dominant with. the alcohol is very well hidden and makes no showing.
Overall this is a nice easy drinking dark beer for the winter, however I left the sampling hoping for a little more cranberry character on the flavor. ID drink again, but was a little underwhelmed.
Still worth a shot.
Dec 29, 2015
 
Rated: 3.67 by IPAchris from Pennsylvania

Dec 23, 2015
 
Rated: 4 by Rojada1988 from Pennsylvania

Dec 20, 2015