Chuck’s Porter

Chuck’s Porter by Church Street Brewing Co. was evaluated as a BJCP 2015 English Porter (substyle 13C). Pours a clear but opaque reddish deep mahogany brown, and required a hard pour to generate much of a head. Head is tan tiny bubbles and fades fairly quickly. Swirling the beer generates a nice small head of more tiny bubbles. The aroma is fairly big woody roast and moderately herbal. First taste is quite roasty, but the roast mellows as the beer warms. There is a lot of complexity in the flavor – medium black licorice, just a hint of soy sauce (in a good way), moderate green leafy herbal from English hops, and some nice dark caramel notes. There is a slight burnt coffee note, as well as light bitter chocolate that both add to the overall impression. Lingering hints of smoky campfire are also pleasant. Overall, a bit on the burnt roasty side for an English Porter, but it fits well with historical versions of the style – very enjoyable. This beer would pair nicely with a grilled porterhouse or some bangers and mash.