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Cape May Brewing Co. Head Brewer Brian Hink Talks King Porter Stomp
January 3, 2018
BC: Who came up with this beer’s recipe?
We originally designed this beer for the Exit Zero Jazz Festival in 2014. When they approached us to make a beer in their honor they didn't have anything specific in mind for a beer, only something jazz-related, so we went to work thinking about potential beer styles and, also, good jazz-sounding names. Coming across Jelly Roll Morton's King Porter Stomp, we instantly knew we found our name and also conveniently enough our beer style, too! As our award-winning Honey Porter is a core brand, we wanted a porter that would differ enough from that brand but also -- and most importantly -- speak to the jazz-listening crowd. Coffee Porters are great, but those are two similar palate preferences, so we wanted something a little more broadly appealing, and chocolate instantly popped into our heads! So, I designed a nice full-bodied Baltic-style Porter, with a rich grain bill, and infused it with a complementary portion of chocolate to really tie everything together. Chocolate and roasted malts are the backbones of King Porter Stomp, but the natural chocolate flavor really takes it to a decadent level. It's become one of our favorite beers to make, and our fans look forward to it every fall.
BC: What’s your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, etc.)?
We also make a nitrogenated version, which takes this already desserty beer to another level entirely. The creaminess brings out a vanilla-like sweetness, which paired off the rich malt undertones and chocolate highlights really make this beer zing. Behind the chocolatey goodness is a full-bodied and luscious beer with an incredible malt backbone, and that really is the shining star here.
BC: Where does this beer’s name come from?
Jelly Roll Morton's great jazz song! The beer really pairs excellently with great jazz tunes and frigid temperatures -- honestly nothing better than relaxing around the fire, sipping some King Porter Stomp, and listening to the smooth sweet sounds of jazz.
BC: Is this your “desert island beer?”
This is more of a dessert island beer!
BC: Can you describe this beer in 10 words or less?
Rich, decadent, smooth, enticing, full-bodied and absolutely perfect for winter.
BC: What's a good food pairing for this beer?
The obvious pairing for King Porter Stomp would be some indulgent cookies, cake, or anything in the dessert realm, but I find King Porter Stomp to be perfectly at home paired with a nice glass of Merlot or Chianti and a beautiful piece of Filet Mignon.
