Cape May Honey Porter

Honey Porter by Cape May Brewing Co. is an American Porter with honey (judged as an American Porter – BJCP sub-style 20A in conjunction with sub-style 31B – Alternative Sugar Beer). In the glass it formed a thin, modestly retained white head atop an opaque dark brown brew. The aroma began with sweet dark malt notes followed closely by subtle honey ones. The flavor profile was also characterized by dense, almost chewy dark malt and molasses-type sweetness before finishing with a not unpleasant or excessive bitterness imparted by the dark malt and the bittering hops. There was no distinctive hop flavor throughout the taste.

The mouthfeel featured a full body but low carbonation, no noticeable alcohol warmth or creaminess, nor a true astringency just a full coating of the palate with malt and honey. A mild smoke-like phenol hit the back of the palate mid-taste but was insufficient to detract from the overall impression. The use of honey rather than molasses or treacle as an alternative sugar had a subtle effect on this beer’s character, possibly from the amount or type of honey used and/or when it was added to the wort, e.g., post-boil but pre-fermentation. The overall effect was a balanced beer with moderately broad drinkability.