David Brockington's Tasting Notebook

Blue Ridge Porter

Initial Impressions:

Yet another of the beers that the generous folks at Frederick Brewing in Maryland shipped out to me for consideration. To quickly reprise the story, on a beer trip to the mid-Atlantic in December of 1994 I picked up several bottles of Blue Ridge beer for consumption at home. I reviewed both he Amber and Porter to the net, and neither review was stellar.

My reviews apparently came to the attention of the head brewer, who acknowledged some problems back then but is now justifiably proud of the new brewery (where they also brew Wild Goose beers since the buyout). He wanted me to give his beers a second chance. In addition to the Porter and the Amber, he shipped out two examples each of six other beers.

The porter pours a brilliant, well-conditioned glass. Held up to the light, the color an attractive deep garnet. A nice tan head traced my progress through the glass with a path of lacework.

Nose:

The nose reveals nice chocolatey notes buttressed by a malty background. A distinct but shy cloying aroma is also present.

Flavor:

The porter has a medium body. The flavor opens up with a hint of maltiness that quickly slides into a middle dominated by coffee and chocolate notes. The beer finishes abruptly, and a lingering astringency leaves earthy flavors on the palate. The finish is a bit rough.

Final Analysis:

I like all porters, robust and mellow. This porter definitely falls into the latter category. However, this porter is a bit too mellow; there is little in this beer to get inspired about. I would like a bit more malty/chocolate/coffee in the middle (perhaps use a bit more malt?). What really detracts from this beer is the hide-n-seek cloying note in the aroma and the rough, almost dirty finish.

Rating: **1/2

("Fair --> Good" on my 5-star scale)

Copyright 1998 by David Brockington, all rights reserved.
Seattle, USA
 Comments? Fire off some email: dbrock@u.washington.edu

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