IV Chocolate Porter
Smartmouth Brewing Co.
American Porter
Special Release
Virginia
United States
Judges Ratings 86
Aroma: 21 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20
Description
Smartmouth Prez. Porter Hardy is the fourth man in his family to carry the name and each year we have honored these gentlemen one-by-one with uniquely crafted porters. We’ve finally made it to IV, so we’re releasing a chocolate porter in honor of our man, who in addition to beer, also loves chocolate. This flavorful 5.9% ABV porter gets its chocolatey essence from the cocoa nibs so it isn’t too sweet.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 5.90%
IBUs: 26
Served at: ()
Hops: Palisade
Malts: Two-Row, Munich, C60, Chocolate, Black, Carafoam
Judges Review

By Michael McGuire
Judges Ratings 86
Aroma: 21 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 36 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 7 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 17 / 20 / 20
IV Chocolate Porter by Smartmouth Brewing Company is a Chocolate Porter and was judged as an American Porter (BJCP sub-style 20A). It poured very dark brown (opaque) into the glass, sporting a sparse white head with little retention.
The nose featured only chocolate, whether through bountiful use of chocolate malt in the grist or late additions of chocolate itself in one of its many forms, is unclear. The flavor profile was dominated by chocolate (malt or other) up front. The hop presence was mostly for bittering/balance rather than flavor/aroma. Palate sensations included medium body, low carbonation, and no discernable alcohol warmth or creaminess. The finish was thin rather than “chewy” for a chocolate porter. Overall, this porter was smooth and drinkable without being exceptional in any way. A rich chocolatey finish might have produced a more memorable ale.
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