Cat Paw Porter
The Bobcat Café & Brewery

On tap from the Bobcat the beer was served is a slightly smaller than normal serving size (per my request). The glass was stange skiny with a rim that flared out at the top like the bell of a trumpet. The beer was presented with a crowning two-finger white creamy head. The beer itself was a very dark brown, near black in color. Moderate, but slightly less than expected, lacing rimmed the glass throughout the sample.

The smell was slightly roasted in character with a maltiness up front that gave way so softer scents of coffee and expresso. Deep and dark roasted, almost a burnt smell.

Taste was very rich and creamy. Not an all too robust or full bodied porter but smooth and sweet stout-ish to the finish. Some deep burnt and roasted coffee flavours with an ever so sweet malt after taste to each sip. A very slight bitterness also accompanied each sip, but this was more than well balanced by the smooth maltiness of the beer.

A moderate mouthfeel. Not overpoweringly robust but a nice substance to the beer.

Very drinkable and enjoyable. Good alone (as I had it) or perhaps with a chocolate dessert. I'll most definitely come back to this one.

Served a black black brown with a nice full tan headskie. Tastes great and roasty with some nice full malt chew. Hops are well balanced. The buzz on this one is actually very nice and mellow too, much better than your average porter. Certainly amoung the best Vermont porters and worth a taste.