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John C. Tull's picture

Porter Culture

March, 2016
Judges Rating: 
97
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
39 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
20 / 20

This Baltic Porter has a very pleasant and complex aroma that includes floral hops, mild stone fruit aromatics, rich chocolaty malt, hints of burnt roast and a touch of vanilla. A very slight alcohol aroma can also be detected. It is a near-black color that suspends a light head of small, tan bubbles along the edge of the glass. The vanilla in the aroma is detectable in the flavor also. Some plum and overripe red cherry is just perceptible. The malts are chocolaty and slightly sweet, balanced with appropriate hop bitterness in the finish. The roast and hops intermingle and linger nicely. The finish is slightly dry, despite the fullness of the body, probably from the dark grains and a very slight tannic astringency. All of this makes for a very enjoyable and incredibly well-made Baltic Porter. If you see this one, you better grab it while you can.