Pavilion Peanut Butter Porter by Georgia Beer Co. was reviewed under the auspices of the Beer Judge Certification Program Style Guidelines as defined in category 34B, Mixed-Style Beer.

As anticipated, peanut butter is the dominant aroma perceived upon first pour. Chocolate malt adds a supporting balance and blends well with the peanut bouquet. Neither fruity esters nor hops are evident.

The appearance reflected a dark mahogany color with a light tan head that poured up nicely than fell off. Since oils found in peanut butter act as an anti-foaming agent, higher head retention is often difficult to achieve when it used as an adjunct.

Although the peanut butter character of this effort was principal in the aroma profile the flavor manifests more of a balance with the malt base. Both Munich and chocolate malts marry nicely to create balance while byproducts of fermentation are well hidden behind the other robust flavors.

This medium-bodied beer with just a touch of alcoholic warmth was extremely smooth with no evident astringency from the roasted grains.

Using the porter style to marry with and support the addition of peanut butter worked well here, as anything with less character would, in all probability, have been overwhelmed.