Hale's Troll Porter | Hale's Ales Brewery & Pub
Brewed by:
Hale's Ales Brewery & Pub
Washington, United States
halesbrewery.com
Style: American Porter
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by drewbage on 06-13-2003
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 37 | Ratings: 72
4.63/5 rDev +21.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I bought a bottle of Troll Porter in a bottle shop. Poured in to a pint glass.
Pours a black walnut color, somewhat translucent with a garnet red hue, caped with a bubbly tan head.
Smell is a roasted charcoal aroma with some candy-like dark chocolate and a fruity plum scent.
Taste is very good. A charcoal coffee flavor, chocolate and bit of black licorice flavor on the finish.
Mouthfeel full-bodied, viscous but minimally cloying and smooth.
Overall a very good porter. Better than the Deschutes Black Butte which is my porter measuring stick.
★ 554 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I bought a bottle of Troll Porter in a bottle shop. Poured in to a pint glass.
Pours a black walnut color, somewhat translucent with a garnet red hue, caped with a bubbly tan head.
Smell is a roasted charcoal aroma with some candy-like dark chocolate and a fruity plum scent.
Taste is very good. A charcoal coffee flavor, chocolate and bit of black licorice flavor on the finish.
Mouthfeel full-bodied, viscous but minimally cloying and smooth.
Overall a very good porter. Better than the Deschutes Black Butte which is my porter measuring stick.
★ 554 characters
3.84/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hale's Ales 'Troll Porter' @ 7.0% , served from a 650 ml bottle purchased for $6
A-pour is cola brown from the bottle to a near black in the glass with a hint of ruby red peeking thru a medium size tan head leaving a streaky lace along the pint
S-weak smelling
T-crisp & clean tasting porter
MF-ok/decent carbonation , full body
Ov-ok/good beer , decent porter
prost LampertLand
★ 379 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hale's Ales 'Troll Porter' @ 7.0% , served from a 650 ml bottle purchased for $6
A-pour is cola brown from the bottle to a near black in the glass with a hint of ruby red peeking thru a medium size tan head leaving a streaky lace along the pint
S-weak smelling
T-crisp & clean tasting porter
MF-ok/decent carbonation , full body
Ov-ok/good beer , decent porter
prost LampertLand
★ 379 characters
3.83/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I had this on-tap in an imperial pint glass at Elephant & Castle in Seattle.
Appearance: rich dark brown hue with a finger of creamy tan foam. There's a very attractive lace left on the glass, too.
Smell: light roastiness with a simple malt character. Not bad, but not at all complex.
Taste: rich roasty flavor with elements of chocolate and toffee, but mostly a dry, slightly ashy black malt character. It actually appeals to me quite a lot.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a rough carbonation. Not super creamy but interesting enough.
Overall: this beer has its imperfections in aroma and texture, but the flavor is good and drinkability is high. I'm a fan.
★ 661 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
I had this on-tap in an imperial pint glass at Elephant & Castle in Seattle.
Appearance: rich dark brown hue with a finger of creamy tan foam. There's a very attractive lace left on the glass, too.
Smell: light roastiness with a simple malt character. Not bad, but not at all complex.
Taste: rich roasty flavor with elements of chocolate and toffee, but mostly a dry, slightly ashy black malt character. It actually appeals to me quite a lot.
Mouthfeel: medium body with a rough carbonation. Not super creamy but interesting enough.
Overall: this beer has its imperfections in aroma and texture, but the flavor is good and drinkability is high. I'm a fan.
★ 661 characters
4.69/5 rDev +22.8%
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This beer is AMAZING. I can't wait for it to make it's reappearance on store shelves this fall. Dark and rich with caramel and molasses on the nose, incredible creamy mouth feel, and a finish that makes me want more. I found that there was a hint of, call me crazy, Christmas candy in the taste. This beer represents the fall and football for me.
★ 346 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
This beer is AMAZING. I can't wait for it to make it's reappearance on store shelves this fall. Dark and rich with caramel and molasses on the nose, incredible creamy mouth feel, and a finish that makes me want more. I found that there was a hint of, call me crazy, Christmas candy in the taste. This beer represents the fall and football for me.
★ 346 characters
4.23/5 rDev +10.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On nitro-tap at Hare & Hounds in Poulsbo, WA. Color is deep dark red-brown, with creamy one finger head and persistent clinging lacing. Aroma is deep, dark roasted malt, sweetness, with floral hops, heady. Flavor is malt, a bit if coffee, a bit of sweet caramel, mildly bitter hops. Mouthfeel is medium thick and creamy. Overall this is an outstanding porter, which I really recommend on nitro-tap. A really memorable taste experience!
★ 435 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On nitro-tap at Hare & Hounds in Poulsbo, WA. Color is deep dark red-brown, with creamy one finger head and persistent clinging lacing. Aroma is deep, dark roasted malt, sweetness, with floral hops, heady. Flavor is malt, a bit if coffee, a bit of sweet caramel, mildly bitter hops. Mouthfeel is medium thick and creamy. Overall this is an outstanding porter, which I really recommend on nitro-tap. A really memorable taste experience!
★ 435 characters
3.65/5 rDev -4.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22oz bottle served in pint glass. Beer pours muddy brown with a heavy and substantial head. Caramely porter aroma suggests sweetness and toastiness. But the nose does not prepare me for the massive viscous beast in the bottle. Big on coffee flavors from the roasted malt. Heavy, but also very neutral on the back of the tongue. I don't know if I should describe this as delicate or overpowering; it's like there's a really high volume of really mild flavors. One thing is for sure: it masks it's 6.6% ABV (per Hale's website) perfectly. The finish is off-dry and pretty well balanced for how tall the profile of this porter is. I don't get any particular citrus or other specific hop flavors, but there is a swarm of lace left on my glass. Resiny.
★ 747 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
22oz bottle served in pint glass. Beer pours muddy brown with a heavy and substantial head. Caramely porter aroma suggests sweetness and toastiness. But the nose does not prepare me for the massive viscous beast in the bottle. Big on coffee flavors from the roasted malt. Heavy, but also very neutral on the back of the tongue. I don't know if I should describe this as delicate or overpowering; it's like there's a really high volume of really mild flavors. One thing is for sure: it masks it's 6.6% ABV (per Hale's website) perfectly. The finish is off-dry and pretty well balanced for how tall the profile of this porter is. I don't get any particular citrus or other specific hop flavors, but there is a swarm of lace left on my glass. Resiny.
★ 747 characters
3.83/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Purchased at Safeway. Deep brown in color with a light tan head. Aromas are kind of a sweet, just a hint of a root beer like scent. Smooth taste, creamy. LIght coffee bitterness and a light malt sweetness. Nicely balanced. Very creamy body and heavy mouthfeel. Pretty good offering. Would have again for sure.
★ 309 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
Purchased at Safeway. Deep brown in color with a light tan head. Aromas are kind of a sweet, just a hint of a root beer like scent. Smooth taste, creamy. LIght coffee bitterness and a light malt sweetness. Nicely balanced. Very creamy body and heavy mouthfeel. Pretty good offering. Would have again for sure.
★ 309 characters
3.7/5 rDev -3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
16oz, tap in Bainbridge Harbour
A: Deep dark opaque brown. There is some reddish hues around the bottom. Fluffy slightly off white nitro blanket head. Leaving tons of lacing on the glass.
S: Mild roast. Milk chocolate. Some slightly piney hops as well.
T: A little bit of bitterness up front. In the middle of the sip you get that roast and chocolate character. The nitro makes this nice and smooth.
M: Medium bodies
O: B-
★ 427 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
16oz, tap in Bainbridge Harbour
A: Deep dark opaque brown. There is some reddish hues around the bottom. Fluffy slightly off white nitro blanket head. Leaving tons of lacing on the glass.
S: Mild roast. Milk chocolate. Some slightly piney hops as well.
T: A little bit of bitterness up front. In the middle of the sip you get that roast and chocolate character. The nitro makes this nice and smooth.
M: Medium bodies
O: B-
★ 427 characters
3.03/5 rDev -20.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Tried on-tap at the brewery in Seattle.
Pours a deep brown colour, with flashes of red to it. Body is opaque and solid, with a fluid aspect to it. Head is a pocked solid film of mocha-off-white. Some solid lace. Looks pretty decent.
Some roast on the nose, a little nutty grain characters and some mild malt sweetness. Overall, it's pretty dull, and very generic.
Light roast on the front palate, but very little body or sweetness to back it up—it leaves the mid-palate feeling rather weak and empty with some mild carbonic characters. Slightly grainy roasted characters on the back. It just underlies how generic it feels.
Mouthfeel lingers a little, but it's still exceptionally light.
This is very average, and not very exciting. It reminds me of a "dark ale" brewed by a mass-producing brewery, only paying lip-service to what makes the style good.
★ 859 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Tried on-tap at the brewery in Seattle.
Pours a deep brown colour, with flashes of red to it. Body is opaque and solid, with a fluid aspect to it. Head is a pocked solid film of mocha-off-white. Some solid lace. Looks pretty decent.
Some roast on the nose, a little nutty grain characters and some mild malt sweetness. Overall, it's pretty dull, and very generic.
Light roast on the front palate, but very little body or sweetness to back it up—it leaves the mid-palate feeling rather weak and empty with some mild carbonic characters. Slightly grainy roasted characters on the back. It just underlies how generic it feels.
Mouthfeel lingers a little, but it's still exceptionally light.
This is very average, and not very exciting. It reminds me of a "dark ale" brewed by a mass-producing brewery, only paying lip-service to what makes the style good.
★ 859 characters
3.4/5 rDev -11%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
On draught served in a footed tulip pint, Troll Porter is dark, ruddy brown with a tight off-white head leaving scattered lace.
Smell is muted, a little roast, more caramel, especially as it warms.
Taste is a little roasty, lots of coffee, a touch nutty, and mild acidity. A touch of minty fuggles as well, which is welcome.
Mouthfeel is pretty soft, smooth, slick. The nitro lightens the body.
Drinkability is fine, it's a decent porter, but not particularly notable. Average.
★ 484 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
On draught served in a footed tulip pint, Troll Porter is dark, ruddy brown with a tight off-white head leaving scattered lace.
Smell is muted, a little roast, more caramel, especially as it warms.
Taste is a little roasty, lots of coffee, a touch nutty, and mild acidity. A touch of minty fuggles as well, which is welcome.
Mouthfeel is pretty soft, smooth, slick. The nitro lightens the body.
Drinkability is fine, it's a decent porter, but not particularly notable. Average.
★ 484 characters
2.58/5 rDev -32.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
On tap at post St ale house.
A: dark, dark beer with mocha foam atop which is persistent. Rings of lace.
S: nutty with slightly too much toasted character making it a little too dry.
T: malts are coffee like with a tad more bitter than I would prefer in this brew. A slightly astringent and almost sour character here.
M: full bodied with light carb and a semi slick finish.
O:. Not particularly enjoyable.
★ 412 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.5
On tap at post St ale house.
A: dark, dark beer with mocha foam atop which is persistent. Rings of lace.
S: nutty with slightly too much toasted character making it a little too dry.
T: malts are coffee like with a tad more bitter than I would prefer in this brew. A slightly astringent and almost sour character here.
M: full bodied with light carb and a semi slick finish.
O:. Not particularly enjoyable.
★ 412 characters
4/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From BeerAdvocate Magazine Volume II, Issue III:
The moderate level of carbonation pushes up enough lacing to stay presentable, nearly pitch black with some dark brown hues on the edges. Aromas of dark chocolate, burnt caramel and minty hops are in the forefront, faint smoky charred grain in the back. Creamy mouthfeel with a small but refreshing smoothness, medium-bodied. Roasted flavors come in bold but there is no sign of massive bitter or acrid flavors, just a mellow balance which is very welcoming. Small pocket of dark berry fruitiness, hint of yeast. A little complex in the middle with suggestions of burnt sugar, ghost-like vanilla, dark milk chocolate and a modest minty citric hop flavor. Speaking of hops, the bitterness does come through, but again, there's balance. Finishes on the sweet side with some roasted choco-goodness.
Its funny, on the bottle it reads, "So good, it's scary ..." Hale's is right about the good part, perhaps great, and the scary part is that our pints are now empty and there is no more Troll Porter in front of us.
★ 1,060 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
From BeerAdvocate Magazine Volume II, Issue III:
The moderate level of carbonation pushes up enough lacing to stay presentable, nearly pitch black with some dark brown hues on the edges. Aromas of dark chocolate, burnt caramel and minty hops are in the forefront, faint smoky charred grain in the back. Creamy mouthfeel with a small but refreshing smoothness, medium-bodied. Roasted flavors come in bold but there is no sign of massive bitter or acrid flavors, just a mellow balance which is very welcoming. Small pocket of dark berry fruitiness, hint of yeast. A little complex in the middle with suggestions of burnt sugar, ghost-like vanilla, dark milk chocolate and a modest minty citric hop flavor. Speaking of hops, the bitterness does come through, but again, there's balance. Finishes on the sweet side with some roasted choco-goodness.
Its funny, on the bottle it reads, "So good, it's scary ..." Hale's is right about the good part, perhaps great, and the scary part is that our pints are now empty and there is no more Troll Porter in front of us.
★ 1,060 characters
4.27/5 rDev +11.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a pitch-black color with a toasted brown head. The head is thin and quickly diminishes to a skim. With a swirl all kinds of tiny lace dots stick to the glass, and there seems to be an oiliness to the liquid. Very Russian Imperial Stout in appearance.
The RIS likeness also moves into the aroma. Gobs of gooey chocolate, sugar-glazed fig and high-powered graham cracker permeate the nose, while the roasty/smoky traits of your average porter lag far behind.
There's a good bit of roasted grain in the flavor, bordering on burnt, although balance is achieved through deep dark chocolate tones, a creamy sweetness, succulent grape flavor, and a considerable but controlled hop bitterness. Everything is evened out well along the flavor chain, plenty of balance, but ultimately the chocolate takes the lead and that works very well for this beer.
The mouthfeel is probably the most obvious resemblance to a traditional porter, having some creamy slickness but with carbonation sizzle overtaking that. Just a hair thin for my liking. The slightly tart finish creates the mildest of puckers inside the mouth.
Very obviously an Americanized porter, and that's fine by me as the flavor profile is colorful and busy--though not at all messy. "So good, it's scary..." says the label, and I agree. My third Hale's and their third winner from where I'm drinking.
★ 1,362 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Poured a pitch-black color with a toasted brown head. The head is thin and quickly diminishes to a skim. With a swirl all kinds of tiny lace dots stick to the glass, and there seems to be an oiliness to the liquid. Very Russian Imperial Stout in appearance.
The RIS likeness also moves into the aroma. Gobs of gooey chocolate, sugar-glazed fig and high-powered graham cracker permeate the nose, while the roasty/smoky traits of your average porter lag far behind.
There's a good bit of roasted grain in the flavor, bordering on burnt, although balance is achieved through deep dark chocolate tones, a creamy sweetness, succulent grape flavor, and a considerable but controlled hop bitterness. Everything is evened out well along the flavor chain, plenty of balance, but ultimately the chocolate takes the lead and that works very well for this beer.
The mouthfeel is probably the most obvious resemblance to a traditional porter, having some creamy slickness but with carbonation sizzle overtaking that. Just a hair thin for my liking. The slightly tart finish creates the mildest of puckers inside the mouth.
Very obviously an Americanized porter, and that's fine by me as the flavor profile is colorful and busy--though not at all messy. "So good, it's scary..." says the label, and I agree. My third Hale's and their third winner from where I'm drinking.
★ 1,362 characters
3.59/5 rDev -6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: poured pretty much brown with burnt edges and some oily reds at the rim. This beer displayed the most intricate splattered lacing I have seen in some time. It conjured up small gatherings here and there, all colored a dingy yellow-white. The head fizzed away to leave a meager ring to keep me company for most of the drink
S: hearty earthy chocolate malts, some hops, and if your sniff hard enough maybe some chocolate brownie whiffs. Judged by the nose, I am going to be disappointed. I could hardly gather any roasted malts. But, I do not give up hope yet...
T: alright, things are swinging around. My first sip gathered a blocky bakers chocolate bar and a few roasted malts within. These flavors come across much stronger on the palate, mostly the chocolate, than in the nose. I dare say that the darker flavors hint at some molasses and coffee notes.
The tail end of the sip gathers some flaky green herbal hops that lend a touch of spice to the tongue. The bitter chocolate and the shot of grassy grapefruit hops provide a soft tanginess in the finish (chocolate covered grapefruits?)
M: I am finding this porters body to be worthy of note. The first word that comes to mind is slick. The body is a sturdy medium and seems alright for a porter, maybe a bit thin? Not bad though
D: in the end, roasted flavors made a showing and the hops came with a vigilante force. It gives the tongue a workout and is fairly easy to drink, I don't mind this porter...hops and chocolate
★ 1,482 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: poured pretty much brown with burnt edges and some oily reds at the rim. This beer displayed the most intricate splattered lacing I have seen in some time. It conjured up small gatherings here and there, all colored a dingy yellow-white. The head fizzed away to leave a meager ring to keep me company for most of the drink
S: hearty earthy chocolate malts, some hops, and if your sniff hard enough maybe some chocolate brownie whiffs. Judged by the nose, I am going to be disappointed. I could hardly gather any roasted malts. But, I do not give up hope yet...
T: alright, things are swinging around. My first sip gathered a blocky bakers chocolate bar and a few roasted malts within. These flavors come across much stronger on the palate, mostly the chocolate, than in the nose. I dare say that the darker flavors hint at some molasses and coffee notes.
The tail end of the sip gathers some flaky green herbal hops that lend a touch of spice to the tongue. The bitter chocolate and the shot of grassy grapefruit hops provide a soft tanginess in the finish (chocolate covered grapefruits?)
M: I am finding this porters body to be worthy of note. The first word that comes to mind is slick. The body is a sturdy medium and seems alright for a porter, maybe a bit thin? Not bad though
D: in the end, roasted flavors made a showing and the hops came with a vigilante force. It gives the tongue a workout and is fairly easy to drink, I don't mind this porter...hops and chocolate
★ 1,482 characters
3.61/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Appearance: Pours a pretty dark chocolate with ruby highlights and a forthy mocha head; nice retention and lace patterns
Smell: For all the malt that is in this brew, it is very hard to discern it in the aroma, which is more herbaciously hoppy than anything else
Taste: I'm not surprised, therefore, that the hops in the aroma immediately jump into the flavor profile, with just a little hint of roast and chocolate underneath; by mid-palate, the brew turns a bit phenolic, with an odd plastic flavor; after the swallow, the roast finally arrives, and the finish has a coffee ground bitterness
Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation
Drinkability: While this beer has its merits, I cannot say that I am too crazy about the flavor profile
Thanks, cannabanaceae, for the opportunity
★ 795 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Appearance: Pours a pretty dark chocolate with ruby highlights and a forthy mocha head; nice retention and lace patterns
Smell: For all the malt that is in this brew, it is very hard to discern it in the aroma, which is more herbaciously hoppy than anything else
Taste: I'm not surprised, therefore, that the hops in the aroma immediately jump into the flavor profile, with just a little hint of roast and chocolate underneath; by mid-palate, the brew turns a bit phenolic, with an odd plastic flavor; after the swallow, the roast finally arrives, and the finish has a coffee ground bitterness
Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate carbonation
Drinkability: While this beer has its merits, I cannot say that I am too crazy about the flavor profile
Thanks, cannabanaceae, for the opportunity
★ 795 characters
3.33/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I was served a pint from the tap in a chilled glass at Uncle Sam's Saloon in Kennewick, Washington.
A: It poured dark ruddy body with a tall caramel head that hung in there for quite some time before falling to a thin layer over the liquid.
S: It had a sweet roasted malt profile with hints of chocolate and spices.
T: The sweet and biting roasted malts dominated before a tangy biting bitterness from the hops coated the back of my tongue. The alcohol was well hidden.
M: It was light to medium bodied with plenty of carbonation and a somewhat watery presence. It started sweet and ended bitter.
D: It was a fine brew with a nice balance of flavors, light body and pleasant appearance.
★ 694 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
I was served a pint from the tap in a chilled glass at Uncle Sam's Saloon in Kennewick, Washington.
A: It poured dark ruddy body with a tall caramel head that hung in there for quite some time before falling to a thin layer over the liquid.
S: It had a sweet roasted malt profile with hints of chocolate and spices.
T: The sweet and biting roasted malts dominated before a tangy biting bitterness from the hops coated the back of my tongue. The alcohol was well hidden.
M: It was light to medium bodied with plenty of carbonation and a somewhat watery presence. It started sweet and ended bitter.
D: It was a fine brew with a nice balance of flavors, light body and pleasant appearance.
★ 694 characters
3.93/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Poured quickly and aggressively into a pint glass. Dark coffee brown body. Crisp crimson highlights glow around the bottom edges of the glass. Head is a bubbly two finger caramel coloring. Moderate retention and good lacing.
S: Faint chocolate, fruity candy, and lightly toasted nutty aromas. As this warms the coffee smells are much stronger and helps round out a rather subtle nose.
T: Roasted malts. A dominant balance of coffee and chocolate tastes. Caramel, nuts, and toffee add to the finish. Additionally, there is raisin sweetness and a surprising slight hops tinge. Overall, interesting and well done combination of tastes.
M: Mouth feel is nice with a good finish, just maybe a little thin.
D: Bottle has a cool picture of the Fremont Troll which adds some cool local character. I thought this was a very decent and drinkable beer. I suspect that the bottle doesn't quite to the beer justice so I look forward to trying it on tap. This is my first beer of many beers to come from Hale's.
★ 1,004 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5
A: Poured quickly and aggressively into a pint glass. Dark coffee brown body. Crisp crimson highlights glow around the bottom edges of the glass. Head is a bubbly two finger caramel coloring. Moderate retention and good lacing.
S: Faint chocolate, fruity candy, and lightly toasted nutty aromas. As this warms the coffee smells are much stronger and helps round out a rather subtle nose.
T: Roasted malts. A dominant balance of coffee and chocolate tastes. Caramel, nuts, and toffee add to the finish. Additionally, there is raisin sweetness and a surprising slight hops tinge. Overall, interesting and well done combination of tastes.
M: Mouth feel is nice with a good finish, just maybe a little thin.
D: Bottle has a cool picture of the Fremont Troll which adds some cool local character. I thought this was a very decent and drinkable beer. I suspect that the bottle doesn't quite to the beer justice so I look forward to trying it on tap. This is my first beer of many beers to come from Hale's.
★ 1,004 characters
3.88/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Dark brown but not quite black, plenty of reddish accenting around the edges. Head is short, dark tan color. Retains mainly a collar and a thin film on top, although lacing is pretty badass.
Some roasted barley notes, a tiny hint of chocolate, and some Goji berry-like fruitiness. Should be significantly stronger for this style.
Lots of hops that show up in the flavor, plenty of bitterness and a lemon Pine Sol presence that's trying to sneak through the heavily roasted malt. Not quite coffee-strength and bitterness in the malt, but definitely dark chocolate.
Medium porter, definitely not much bigger than normal. Fairly creamy in the mouth, but loses a little something in the finish. Just a bit underwhelming; nothing off or wrong about it.
Not bad in a pinch. Pretty decent price for a pretty decent porter.
★ 822 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Dark brown but not quite black, plenty of reddish accenting around the edges. Head is short, dark tan color. Retains mainly a collar and a thin film on top, although lacing is pretty badass.
Some roasted barley notes, a tiny hint of chocolate, and some Goji berry-like fruitiness. Should be significantly stronger for this style.
Lots of hops that show up in the flavor, plenty of bitterness and a lemon Pine Sol presence that's trying to sneak through the heavily roasted malt. Not quite coffee-strength and bitterness in the malt, but definitely dark chocolate.
Medium porter, definitely not much bigger than normal. Fairly creamy in the mouth, but loses a little something in the finish. Just a bit underwhelming; nothing off or wrong about it.
Not bad in a pinch. Pretty decent price for a pretty decent porter.
★ 822 characters
3.68/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: A deep brown with ruby highlights... close to black. Head picks up late, but ends up a bubbly creamy light tan and sticks around for a while.
S: Smoky or toasty malts... a little bigger than some I've had? Coffee-like, and mildly chocolate aromas, almost stouty.
T: A pretty big porter, very malty... a little tinny or acedic - can't quite put a finger on it. Some deep, dark fruits, a touch of coffee, and a sweet edge post-finish.
M + D: Calm, smooth, and a pretty hefty aftertaste. Makes for a little slower drinker, but quite good if taken that way. A lot of burnt notes through it all... maybe like burnt rubber in some ways? Just a little though... it's decent, and I'd give it another shot... a bomber purchase at a time, probably.
★ 747 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
A: A deep brown with ruby highlights... close to black. Head picks up late, but ends up a bubbly creamy light tan and sticks around for a while.
S: Smoky or toasty malts... a little bigger than some I've had? Coffee-like, and mildly chocolate aromas, almost stouty.
T: A pretty big porter, very malty... a little tinny or acedic - can't quite put a finger on it. Some deep, dark fruits, a touch of coffee, and a sweet edge post-finish.
M + D: Calm, smooth, and a pretty hefty aftertaste. Makes for a little slower drinker, but quite good if taken that way. A lot of burnt notes through it all... maybe like burnt rubber in some ways? Just a little though... it's decent, and I'd give it another shot... a bomber purchase at a time, probably.
★ 747 characters
3.2/5 rDev -16.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
I'm a big fan of the Fremont Troll. As I recall, my band took some promo shots with the Troll back in... what was it?... '91? That troll sure lasted longer than my band.
In any event, I imagine the mighty Troll might prefer a porter with a bit more attitude than this one. This is a brown porter, not brewed to the robust style more common to our region. So roasted qualities are in short supply and the taste tips more to the sweet. The beer is not flawed in any way, but neither does it command much enthusiasm. The Troll shows a casual chocolate sweetness with enough bittering to grab your attention and tastes like the 1980's-style recipe we've mostly outgrown. Not bad, but better beers await you.
★ 706 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
I'm a big fan of the Fremont Troll. As I recall, my band took some promo shots with the Troll back in... what was it?... '91? That troll sure lasted longer than my band.
In any event, I imagine the mighty Troll might prefer a porter with a bit more attitude than this one. This is a brown porter, not brewed to the robust style more common to our region. So roasted qualities are in short supply and the taste tips more to the sweet. The beer is not flawed in any way, but neither does it command much enthusiasm. The Troll shows a casual chocolate sweetness with enough bittering to grab your attention and tastes like the 1980's-style recipe we've mostly outgrown. Not bad, but better beers await you.
★ 706 characters
3.76/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22oz picked up at the Coop today.. for about $4.50.. enjoyed from my New Belgium snifter.
Fairly aggressive pour left big bubble tan head that didn't stick around for that long and left zero lacing. Brew is very dark brown.. very very dark brown.. only reveals crystal deep ruby highlites when held close to a light... sticky lacing appears as I start actually drinking this one.
Aroma is light for sure.. only whiffs of chocolate and dark malts.. some grassy hop notes.
Flavor is much better than the nose on the porter front. Quite a bit of chocolate malt and sorta nutty/coffee component... touches of caramel.. Significant fruitiness.. I am having a hard time picking out the hop flavors... I know they are there.. Nice fluid body.. Citrus and pine hops emerge alot more as it warms.. Glad I have a second glass.
Hale's is a really good brewery ... the "Troll" on the label is something that must be experienced in person. Today I was looking at the label trying to figure out WTF it was. I did a little research and found out it was the Fremont Overpass Troll... I haven't seen/paid attention to it in years. I remember the first time though (fond memories), Brenda and I got lost in Seattle and parked .... and after a short walk stumbled upon the troll.. very cool public art.. sorta sad though that a VW Beetle paid with its life to make it. :)
★ 1,356 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22oz picked up at the Coop today.. for about $4.50.. enjoyed from my New Belgium snifter.
Fairly aggressive pour left big bubble tan head that didn't stick around for that long and left zero lacing. Brew is very dark brown.. very very dark brown.. only reveals crystal deep ruby highlites when held close to a light... sticky lacing appears as I start actually drinking this one.
Aroma is light for sure.. only whiffs of chocolate and dark malts.. some grassy hop notes.
Flavor is much better than the nose on the porter front. Quite a bit of chocolate malt and sorta nutty/coffee component... touches of caramel.. Significant fruitiness.. I am having a hard time picking out the hop flavors... I know they are there.. Nice fluid body.. Citrus and pine hops emerge alot more as it warms.. Glad I have a second glass.
Hale's is a really good brewery ... the "Troll" on the label is something that must be experienced in person. Today I was looking at the label trying to figure out WTF it was. I did a little research and found out it was the Fremont Overpass Troll... I haven't seen/paid attention to it in years. I remember the first time though (fond memories), Brenda and I got lost in Seattle and parked .... and after a short walk stumbled upon the troll.. very cool public art.. sorta sad though that a VW Beetle paid with its life to make it. :)
★ 1,356 characters
3.76/5 rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hale's Troll Porter
Ah, the Fremont Troll. You must see the Troll to understand the inspiration for this beer; and then it all makes sense. I picked this up recently (Feb. 08) in Seattle, so I doubt it has been retired. Poured cellar temperature into an Imperial Pint Glass with a small quickly fading head; appeared dark brownish black with some light getting through around the edges. The aroma was rather mild, focusing on milk chocolate, coffee, with maybe a hint of lactose...hard to pull much out of the aroma. The taste is a different story. Very bold flavors of dark chocolate, coffee and piney hops, followed by peat, some burnt caramel, and hints of vanilla emerged, with a mouthfeel that is just about right for the taste. This is a good porter for hopheads. I need more.
★ 783 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Hale's Troll Porter
Ah, the Fremont Troll. You must see the Troll to understand the inspiration for this beer; and then it all makes sense. I picked this up recently (Feb. 08) in Seattle, so I doubt it has been retired. Poured cellar temperature into an Imperial Pint Glass with a small quickly fading head; appeared dark brownish black with some light getting through around the edges. The aroma was rather mild, focusing on milk chocolate, coffee, with maybe a hint of lactose...hard to pull much out of the aroma. The taste is a different story. Very bold flavors of dark chocolate, coffee and piney hops, followed by peat, some burnt caramel, and hints of vanilla emerged, with a mouthfeel that is just about right for the taste. This is a good porter for hopheads. I need more.
★ 783 characters
4.5/5 rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours opaque/black. Almost no head, and what was there to begin with dissipated within moments.
Nose is dissapointingly faint but cocoa/chocolatey.
Palate is a blast of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and coffee. Simply amazing combination here. Worth it!
Finish is medium long and roasty.
★ 290 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Pours opaque/black. Almost no head, and what was there to begin with dissipated within moments.
Nose is dissapointingly faint but cocoa/chocolatey.
Palate is a blast of roasted malt, dark chocolate, and coffee. Simply amazing combination here. Worth it!
Finish is medium long and roasty.
★ 290 characters
4/5 rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a one finger light tan head that fades slowly to a ring leaving a good lace. Deep mahogany color. Light carbonation and heavy bodied. Roasted/burnt coffee nose. Flavor is roasted/burnt coffee, a little sweetness, smooth. Bakers chocolate aftertaste. $3.99 for a 22oz bottle from John's Marketplace Portland, OR.
This is their Troll Porter.
★ 345 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a one finger light tan head that fades slowly to a ring leaving a good lace. Deep mahogany color. Light carbonation and heavy bodied. Roasted/burnt coffee nose. Flavor is roasted/burnt coffee, a little sweetness, smooth. Bakers chocolate aftertaste. $3.99 for a 22oz bottle from John's Marketplace Portland, OR.
This is their Troll Porter.
★ 345 characters
Hale's Troll Porter from Hale's Ales Brewery & Pub
3.82
out of 5
based on 72 ratings.
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap at the Athenian, Pike Place, Seattle
A: Shoe polish brown with a nice tan one-finger head that lingered.
S: Chocolate, light coffee, cocoa, anise and caramel.
T: Lightly robust with a chocolate/caramel/cocoa charge that finishes with a lightly bitter coffee note. Sweet.
M: Medium with medium, creamy and charred carbonation.
O: What a cool homage to the Seattle Troll. Great label, too. Since we sat on the Troll's hand, it was fitting to quaff this tasty porter. You go, Hale's Ales.
★ 505 characters