StogieBrewski.com: Anchor Brewing Porter

Anchor Brewing Porter. 5.6% abv. Black in color. Two fingers of dense creamy tan head. Outstanding retention and superb lace. Nose of roasted malt, chocolate, caramel on the back end. Front taste of coffee bean, toffee, bittersweet chocolate. Aftertaste of mild caramel, warm sugar, chocolate, distant plum. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm, creamy, roasty, silky, slightly sweet finish.

This is an outstanding beer, a classic in its category, and one of my favorite porters. The flavor profile is solid with roasted malt, warm bittersweet chocolate, and notes of coffee throughout, from aroma to last sip. The body is a perfect balance between easy drinkability and rich indulgence, while the sweet, silky smooth mouthfeel feels like fine craftsmanship in a glass. You've had this before, and I encourage you to treat yourself to another. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"With deep black color, a thick, creamy head, rich chocolate, toffee and coffee flavors, and full-bodied smoothness, Anchor Porter is the epitome of a handcrafted dark beer. A blend of specially roasted pale, caramel, chocolate, and black malts, along with our top-fermenting yeast, creates complexity without bitterness. The brew is hopped at a high rate, and naturally carbonated. The result is dark in the glass, but surprisingly light on the palate. Anchor Porter became the first modern American porter style beer when it was introduced in 1972. As we celebrate its 40th anniversary, our porter continues to reward those who look beyond its intimidating appearance to discover its smooth, full-bodied drinkability. Anchor Porter is the definitive American Porter."

[source: anchorbrewing.com]

"San Francisco's famous Anchor Porter brand is made in one of the smallest and most traditional breweries in the world by the Brewers of Anchor Steam beer. Our old-fashioned porter is virtually handmade, with an exceptional respect for the ancient art of brewing. We use 100% malted barley; generous amounts of fresh, whole hops; entirely natural carbonation; and a simple, natural brewing process that is like no other in the world. The deep black color; the thick, creamy head; and the intensely rich flavor of Anchor Porter, made in San Francisco since 1972, have earned this delicious and unique brew a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality. It is aesthetically pleasing and wholly superior in every respect."

[source: bottle]