When last we met the subject was Dirty Blonde from Atwater Brewery in Detroit. As you'll recall (or can check out the previous post) I found that brew to be less than interesting. 

I am happy to report, however, that another of the offerings in the Atwater variety 12 pack is very interesting and enjoyable indeed.

As you can see the Vanilla Java Porter is an inky, opaque dark beer. You immediately notice the aroma of vanilla when you bring the glass toward you. 

The first sensation is a prickly feeling on the tip of your tongue. Then you notice the flavors of vanilla and coffee. They are not overpowering and the vanilla is not too sweet. But they are definitely present. There is also what I describe as a "foamy" sensation in the mouth from when the beer first enters your mouth right through to the swallow.

The porter has a 5.5% alcohol content, so it is strong enough without being overpowering. Also there is not the bitterness or burnt sensation that can be present with many porters. This may be due to the fact that the vanilla beans, coffee and malts are cold brewed to avoid the burnt taste. At least that's what I read later on their website.

Overall I found this to be one of the more enjoyable dark brews I've had in a while. I do enjoy porters but admit they can be a bit heavy and bitter very often. The Vanilla Java Porter from Atwater is anything but. It is substantial enough. But there is no bitterness, nor is it sweet. Very good balance indeed.

I give Vanilla Java Porter from Atwater Brewery 7 mugs out of 10.

One of my favorite offerings in the Sam Adams Winter Classics available during the holidays had always been the Holiday Porter. So I was disappointed when it was not one of the brews in this years version.

It was with a mix of relief and dread then when I opened up the Spring offerings and saw this Maple Pecan Porter. Relief to have a Porter in the mix. Dread because Maple Pecan suggested a too sweet and/or too syrupy beer awaited.

The inky dark color didn't assuage my trepidation immediately. This beer just looks like it is going to be too heavy.  And as you bring the glass toward your face you are hit with the scent of a maple aroma.

The first impression when you finally taste the brew is of some bitterness offset by a slightly sweet malty flavor. This is followed by the taste of the roasted malt accompanied by the hint of pecan. The after taste really brings out some chocolate overtones. 

My overall impression of the beer though is one of balance. The Maple Pecan Porter is both bitter and sweet, but not too much of either. Really enjoyed drinking this one slowly and letting the complex interplay of the bitterness of the hops, the sweetness from the malt and the maple and pecan flavors and the hint of chocolate at the end play in my mouth. 

The color does not lie however. This is a heavy brew. I have found that one of these a night is sufficient. 

I give Samuel Adams Maple Pecan Porter 7 mugs out of 10. 

Until next time, drink well!

Today we review another offering from July's beer of the month club. It is called Paradise Porter. 
Again this comes from Diamond Bear Brewing Company in Little Rock, Arkansas. 
Like its Irish Red offering (see Blog #3) this beer is no shrinking violet. 
As a fan of IPA's I like my beers with strength and a touch of bitterness. 
This Porter does not disappoint in that respect.
Its inky darkness hints at how strong a brew this is. It has the usual hint of "toastiness" in aroma and taste. A strong almost coffee-like flavor is the first impression I noted. (And that was confirmed with the tasting notes that accompanied the monthly club brews. But again I do not read those until I've tasted the brew myself and made my own notes.)
I would simply say this beer is very tasty. It has a complex flavor that stays with you even after the swallow has taken the beer away. 
But it is a powerful example of the Porter style which is too strong for many as a matter of course. So if you are one of those who doesn't like strong, dark brews stay away from this one.
But if you appreciate the Porter style then definitely search this one out. Be prepared though because it is stronger than most and also carries a bitterness in the aftertaste. Being a fan of complex hoppy brews I enjoyed it, but it won't be for everyone.
I gave it 7 mugs out of 10. It is very good, aspires to greatness even with its strength and flavors, but just a touch too bitter to be able to drink for any length of time. But would definitely stand up to strong foods.