Smoked Maple Porter
Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Well, apparently the folks at the GLBC have recently unretired this beer, as it is back on-tap once again. Yet another on-tap only “pub exclusive” at brewpub. Draws a very dark brown color with some deep amber highlights when held up to the light. Has a slightly off-white head that’s about an inch thick when first served that settles fairly quickly to a medium sized ring lining the inside of the glass, with bits of foam sorting the beer’s surface here and there. Not much lacing. Aromas of roasted caramel malts and certainly some maple and notes along with bits of chocolate and coffee and perhaps some dark fruit such as plum and fig. The taste is pretty much the same, with roasted caramel malts and maple sweetness that’s followed by a bit of coffee and chocolate that’s certainly followed by some fig and plum notes. Rounded out with a slight earthy hop presence that gives a nice bit of bitterness to help balance out the flavor profile. Has a slightly crisp, also smooth and frothy, medium bodied mouthfeel with moderate carbonation. Easy to drink in the way good beer ought to be. A good, slightly unique take on this style from the fine folks at the GLBC.

Eric

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dappled from tap at Great Lakes Brewing Company. I generally like smoked beers, but this would not be in any top pick of mine for smoked. I couldn't really pick out the maple. Could just me though.