Harry Porter (Bourbon Barrel Aged)
Great Lakes Brewery

On tap at the Pittsford Pub and Grille. I *think* this is the beer I had, but I'm not entirely sure. I would have figured, given my location, that it was from the US Great Lakes Brewery, but I can't find that they have a BA porter, and this one's the right ABV.

This one pours a fairly dark brown, nearly black, with a small head, and no lacing.

Smells like very mild and subtle bourbon, cookie dough, oats, chocolate, and roasted malt.

This isn't going to bowl anybody over with massive flavor, but it's a tasty little BA porter with light but pleasant barrel character. There's a bit of cookie dough character- it's a thing I often get from lower alcohol BA stouts/porter. It tastes like maybe some oats were used in the brewing process, as well. There's a large amount of roasted malt, a good level of oak that sticks out prominently, and some cocoa powder.

This is pretty thin, I wish it was a bit creamier and thicker. It's got a normal level of carbonation, maybe slightly higher than I'd expect.

This is a nice little beer, but it does have a few things keeping it from being absolutely amazing.

 

Purchased at the brewery for $9.95 for a 650ml bomber. Served at 7deg C in a tulip

A- Opens well and pours a 1" high brown head that lasts for a 2-3mins before film out. Give this one a vigorous pour. Very dark. Darker than most stouts!

S- Good Bourbon here. Good malt and chocolate but subdued

T- Excellent! Very bourbon barrel forward. Has the complexity of being aged in that barrel with the proper amount of time and perfect selection of bourbon barrel. It takes BOTH to make a great BBA brew. The coconut comes through on the first sip and hits you like an unexpected slap. If I had to nit pick something it would be it needs more vanilla. That would take this one to a 5 for sure.

M- Outstanding! I couldn't believe this was a porter. Don't know if they sold me the correct bottle as it does not come with a label but the box they pulled it out of said porter. Just creamy, thick, rich and stout-like. This is by far the best mouth on a porter I have ever tried. I don't give out many "5's" but this is one for sure.

O- Excellent. Love this one. Got one for the cellar and one for trading on CANBIF. Someone is getting a fantastic porter. Will buy on sight wherever I am.

Food Pairing

This wonderful brew is actually pretty difficult to pair due to he heavy bourbon flavor but it did match up very well with........ Bacon and eggs. Believe it or not the tastes pair well. By the time breakfast is over it's a whole new world as this brew has a good deal of alcohol without a hit of heat so it goes down well.