Santa Claws Christmas Cake Porter
Scotch Irish Brewing Company

From tasting notes 24/01/08:

On tap at the Castle. Dregs of the cask but worth it. Black as a tax collectors heart, rich mocha cap, wonderful roasty-fruity-cocoa aroma. As others have stated the flavor approximates the dark dried fruit-impregnated cake with spicing and a light nut-like discernment to it. I wish Perry made more of this...I could drink this all the way through the cold months.

After hearing fantastic things about this beer, I promised that I would track it down and consume it, like a stealthy mountain lion hunting a deer. Christmas came and went. I lamented that the opportunity had passed without a sighting of the elusive deer. Sorry...beer. Then it came. The beer had been seen in a downtown brewpub. Last night I found a pint of glory placed before me.

A mocha head happily sits upon an extremely dark brown nectar. Vinous aromas mix with dark fruits to achieve a somewhat festive feel. Upon tasting I can clearly identify the Christmas cake elements:raisins, sultanas and either fig or date (I always get the two confused). There also seems to be a touch of hard liqor in there, but maybe I'm just imagining a brandy soaked Christmas pudding. Its quite delectable to have all of these flavours mixed with the traditional rastiness of a porter. Its capped off with a perfectly chewy mouthfeel, deserving of the brews name. In fact the last couple sips are chew, as the coarser filtration that has blessed this brew with so much flavour becomes evident. Man...Ontario brewers do seasonal porters so well.

December 2006, the first (but hopefully not last) offering of this instant Christmas favourite, cheerfully named Santa Claws Christmas Cake Porter. This is a special seasonal treat from Scotch-Irish founder and head brewer, Perry Mason. A batch of only one firkin served at Volo. Said to be a "Christmas cake in a glass"...

Comes served in an Imperial pint glass. A Dark, deep shade with substantial tan coloured head. Lots of nice soft chestnut highlighting.

The aroma is absolutely immaculate boasting only a preview of what the flavours will showcase. A good presence of dried fruit, raisins and prunes. Light black currant. Rich espresso coffee and plenty of anises. Lots of cinnamon spice too.

This beer boasts more taste than any other I've tried. The most easily detectable is the anise. Very strong black licorice punch. There is also an underlying presence of currants that compliments the anise well. Soft fruity notes linger. Most remarkable is the chocolate flavour. Not chocolate malt, but distinctly rich - like a chocolate mouse or éclair. Real chocolate! Wow. A good presence of raisins seems to round out the taste, strong hints of coffee also find their way in there. Absolutely full and rich!

This beer's only shortcoming falls in the mouthfeel. Considering an explosive aroma and the rich complexities its flavours offer, the mouthfeel is considerably dull, with very little texture. Extremely low carbonation (although partly as result of the cask) The mouthfeel really doesn't do the flavours any justice. Just flat, overall little texture.

My overall impressions were only good. I finished that pint full, satisfied, and more than anything impressed. To call this a dessert beer is more than appropriate. This very well can work as a dessert onto itself, although it left me craving dark chocolate cake and sweets.

Full of flavour, I know many found one pint to be more than filling. Myself however, like my otherwise swill only friends, were anxious for more of this delectable, decadent treat.

Completely black with a bit of off-white head and initial soap bubbles. Chcocolate aroma, and later licorice. Some spice in the nose as well. Taste of an English porter with chocolate, and second sip licorice, way over the top of it. Then coffee grounds, a further bitter finish, and then chocolate Most complex, and probably better with food.