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

- From:
- Tröegs Brewing Company
- Pennsylvania, United States
- Style:
- American Porter
- ABV:
- 7.2%
- Score:
- 86
- Avg:
- 3.79 | pDev: 8.44%
- Ratings:
- | 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
28 IBU
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada
3.41/5 rDev -10%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
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, 2021Pours 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.
Reviewed by Tucquan from Pennsylvania
3.96/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
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, 2016A - 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.
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
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, 2015The 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.
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!