Ballast Point 'Victory at Sea' High West Barrel-Aged Imperial Porter 2017. 12% abv. 35 IBU. Black in color, dense. Finger of foamy, mocha head. Outstanding retention and superb lacing. Even after ten minutes, there is still a thick surface. Nose of vanilla, bourbon, raisins, dark chocolate. Coffee aroma comes through as the temp changes.

Front taste is bourbon, bittersweet chocolate, walnut. Plum taste and wood expression stands tall in time. Aftertaste is ground coffee, rich chocolate, vanilla, bourbon, mild herbal hops, sweet forward with a dry finish. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm-hot, boozy, thick, clingy, carby, astringent on the back end.

This is an extraordinary beer, a big BBA that is an exemplary example of its category. The flavor profile is complex, with huge swaths of chocolate, vanilla, coffee, and bourbon, supported throughout by high notes of dark fruit, oak, sweet pastry, and herbal hops. Readers of this blog know that I am a huge fan of BBA brews, and this is a solid, steadfast example of the brilliance that can come from a barrel. Strongly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Imperial porter with coffee and vanilla flavors aged in High West bourbon and rye barrels... We partnered with our friends at High West® Distillery to create a barrel-aged version of  Ballast Point Victory at Sea, our award-winning Imperial Porter with cold-steeped coffee and vanilla. From a blend of Ballast Point Victory at Sea aged in High West’s own bourbon & rye whiskey oak casks, new layers of complexity emerge with notes of soft caramel and smoky oak over a dark chocolate and roasted almond body. High West crafts delicious and distinctive whiskeys to honor the American West, making it the perfect pairing with our signature San Diego-born porter."
[source: ballastpoint.com]

Oskar Blues 'Death by Coconut' Irish Style Porter. 6.5% abv. 25 IBU. Dense black, blocks light. Figner of foamy, mocha head. Outstanding retention and lace. Nose of sweet coconut, vanilla, milk chocolate, light herbal. 

Front taste is dark chocolate, coconut, vanilla, sweet dark malt. Aftertaste is bittersweet dark chocolate, coconut liquor, light botanical, light wood, dry finish. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, sticky, thick, round, slightly astringent.

This is a solid porter that definitely delivers on its promise of coconut, with chocolate underlining the coconut expression throughout. The warm mouthfeel almost turns hot as the temp rises to room, with a creamy overtone all across. This is one of those rich, flavorful "core" beers that makes for an excellent base for experimental offshoots: barrel aging, liquor additions, dark fruit flavor combos. 

I once had this beer on tap at BC's in Clovis, CA, and I recall it as richer and more intense. Curious if I had a limited edition one-off. No matter. This standard canned version is exceptional. If you love the flavor profile of Almond Joy candy bars, and you love big, rich, full-bodied beers, seek this one out. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Pass. Dash. Hit. Intense pure liquid cacao flavors swirl with popping coconut aromas, all supported by a semi-sweet porter made from loads of our dark chocolate and extra dark caramel malt. This limited release specialty comes around once a year to satisfy that sweet tooth, so get ’em while you can before they disappear. At 6.5% ABV and 25 IBUs, this choconut goodness will have you yellin' 'Pass. Dash. Hit.' all winter long."
[source: oskarblues.com]

Ballast Point 'Mocha Marlin' Porter. 6% abv. 42 IBU. Black in color with two fingers of thick foamy tan head. Outstanding retention and superb lace. Nose of ground coffee, vanilla, cocoa powder, herbal notes. 

Front taste is roasted malt, bittersweet dark chocolate, black coffee, bitter dark fruit on the back end. Aftertaste is bitter cocoa, vanilla, herbal hops, black coffee underneath, dry finish. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is thick, creamy, carby, clingy, resin.

This is an excellent chocolate porter. The chocolate tastes fresh-shaved off a high-cacao dark chocolate brick, complemented well by a strong black coffee expression. Contrary to what the label says, I would describe it as a chocolate porter with coffee rather than a coffee porter with chocolate. 

The dark cocoa flavors are dominant throughout, with the black coffee taste faintly underneath, emerging fully only in the aftertaste. A ribbon of vanilla underlines the entire beer from nose to finish, with herbal hops merging as the temperature rises. An excellent chocolate beer that is supported by coffee. I suspect the coffee bean count is not as high as most would expect, including the brewers, but it's a fine brew regardless. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Coffee and chocolate come together in this brew. Our Black Marlin Porter is the perfect beer for a mocha mashup. The addition of coffee and cocoa plays perfectly off the roasty, chocolaty flavors of this English porter, while a hint of vanilla smooths it all out. It’s full-bodied, but not too sweet; try it for breakfast…or dessert."
[source: ballastpoint.com]

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Black Diamond 'Peak XV' Bourbon Barrel Imperial Porter. 8.5% abv. 30 IBU. Black in color with a finger of tan foamy head. Superb retention and lacing. Nose of bourbon, caramel, vanilla, plum. Toasty bread notes as the temp rises. 

Front taste of bitter dark chocolate, dark fruit, red wine, toast and jam. Aftertaste is vanilla cream, dried fruit, bourbon, vanilla on the back end, slight wood expression all across. Medium body. Mouthfeel is hot, creamy, tangy, sticky, boozy.

This is an excellent BBA brew, a blend that is 25% BBA. You can tell from the overall taste that this beer is not completely from a barrel. Still, the promised bourbon taste is there, especially on the onset, while the wood flavor is faint and only detectable behind the aftertaste. Tons of dried dark fruit - almost sour fruit - tie together the notes of caramel, vanilla, and bready malt. For my taste, this is a little light in body for a BBA - even a blend - and the fruit is a touch pungent, walking close to sour territory. However, my overall impression is positive. I enjoyed this beer and would surely have another. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"Wherein we take our rich, luscious Peak XV Imperial Porter and set it down in Bourbon barrels for a little happy time (sometimes when you are waiting, time does not fly).. Bourbon and vanilla are a natural combo and the wood ageing smoothes the chocolate, further blending it with the malt flavors and adding wonderful depth. A true fireside winter warmer this one, we remain amazed at how great this beer is in an ice-cream/porter float."

[source: blackdiamondbrew.com]

"Subtle undertones of vanilla are brought forth using multiple sources of whole vanilla beans, followed by a stupendous nose of dark chocolate - provided by locally sourced cocoa nibs. The flavor is massive chocolate, creamy vanilla, toasty and malty. The finish is epic."
[source: bottle]

Mad River Brewing 'Brewer's Secret' Vanilla Porter Aged in Bourbon Barrels. Artisan Reserve Series. 9% abv. 34 IBU. Dark brown color. Finger of beige small-bead foamy head. Excellent retention and lacing. Nose is sweet, warm brown sugar, bourbon, vanilla. 

Front taste of bourbon, round oak, rich caramel, strong vanilla on the back end. Aftertaste of bright bourbon, toffee, vanilla ribbon across, wood expression on the sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, rich, creamy, boozy.

This is an excellent BBA porter,  decadent treat that tastes and feels almost like soft bourbon vanilla ice cream. The bourbon and wood taste is certainly there, as is the promised vanilla throughout. The aroma is sweet and warm, and the taste builds upon the nose with a creamy body that holds the flavors well. My one nitpick is that it's a little thin for a BBA, but it's no dealbreaker. I would gladly open another bottle of this delight. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"How could we possibly improve on the excellence of our Steelhead Porter? Age it in Heaven Hill Bourbon barrels, with fresh vanilla beans added of course! This limited edition Porter has complex malt characteristics balanced with a mild hop profile, taken to a whole new level by forward notes of bourbon, oak and vanilla. Smoked and peated malts lend added complexity and a mild smokey flavor that melds perfectly with the southern charms of decadent bourbon flavors."

[source: madriverbrewing.com]

Track 7 Brewing 'Nukin' Futz' Imperial Peanut Butter Chocolate Cream Porter. 7.3% abv. 30 IBU. Black in color with two+ fingers of creamy tan head. Outstanding retention and superb lace. Nose of peanut butter, roasted malt, dark chocolate. Front taste of bitter dark chocolate, smoked grain, dank herbal, strong peanut butter taste on the back end. Aftertaste of peanuts, cocoa powder, smoked wood. Medium body. Mouthfeel is creamy, silky, with a surprisingly somewhat dry finish.

This is a wonderful beer with unique flavor profile. The aroma is strong with peanut butter, and the taste delivers somewhat on that promise. Smoke notes help bring out the peanut butter and chocolate flavors in this dank yet creamy beer. My tasting partner and I wanted more peanut butter taste throughout, but it was certainly there in places, particularly the nose. An excellent beer, worthy of your time if you can get a bomber. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"This creamy and crazy ale takes our burnt fog smoked porter receive, drops the smoked malt and add peanut butter, chocolate and lactose sugar. The combination produced a creamy peanut butter cup of a beer fitting of a celebration and capable of easing the winter doldrums. Nuking' Futz was brewed for our 3rd anniversary on New Year's Eve but will continue as an occasional release. We want to raise our glass to you Sacramento for being supportive of our little brewery. Our 3rd year in business concluded with us opening our new production facility and tap room in Natomas cuz we are nuking' futz!"
[source: bottle]

My sister and I enjoying a bottle of Track 7 Nukin Futz

BJ's Brewhouse 'PM' Porter. 6.4% abv. 25 IBU. Black in color. Thick dense tan head from a nitro tap. Outstanding retention and superb lace. Nose of roasted grain. Front taste of chocolate, milk, with a mild green/leafy overtone. Aftertaste of grain, molasses, botanical. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is creamy, milky, somewhat thick.

This is a good porter with a couple of flaws. The beer tastes young. Another week in the fermenter may have been needed. There is a taste of faint greens/botanical throughout, along with the taste of grain rather than malt. However, the chocolate flavor and notes of molasses helps the medicine go down.  Overall, I enjoyed this beer, but I will try it again in hopes of having a fully developed brew. Mildly recommended.

As of this writing, the only way to try BJ's beers is at one of their brewpubs. The bartender confidently described this beer as smokey with hop notes in the aftertaste, neither of which I tasted. Perhaps that is how this beer normally tastes?

I've been to several BJ's, including their first location back during their humble beginning. Each brewpub is beautifully designed and features great food. Their beer is usually worth the trip. Usually.

From the brewery:

"This award-winning dark ale is surprisingly smooth and drinkable. Caramel, molasses and chocolate flavors fill the palate. Its sweet start is perfectly balanced by a roasted dry finish. Nitrogen-conditioned."

[source: bjsrestaurants.com]

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]

I paired the classic Anchor Porter with a Felipe Gregorio 'Fusion' Robusto. I highly recommend it.

Deschutes Brewery 'Black Butte' Porter. 5.2% abv. 30 IBU. Black in color. Two+ fingers of light brown foamy head. Outstanding retention and lacing. Nose of cocoa powder, roasted malt. Front taste of semi-sweet chocolate, earthy hops, mild bitter, herbal on the back end. Aftertaste is dark chocolate, bittersweet dark fruit, distant plum, floral sustain. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm, creamy, rich, foamy.

This is an outstanding porter, a modern classic. The flavors of chocolate and dark fruits are balanced well yet still have a bold profile, with each flavor distinct, particularly in the aftertaste, which is more complex than most beers in this category. Very rich and creamy, a delight for any porter fan. Highly recommended.

From the brewery:

"With a dark beer as our first and flagship brand, Black Butte defined Deschutes as a radical player. A slight hop bitterness up front enhances the distinctive chocolate and roasted finish. It’s prized for its creamy mouthfeel and intense complex flavors."

[source: deschutesbrewery.com]

"An opening volley, this pioneering dark ale signaled Deschutes' renegade intentions. Its creamy mouthfeel, complex layers, hop edge and chocolate finish personify passion-forward brewing."

[source: bottle]

Mammoth Brewing 'Double Nut Brown' Porter. 5.5% abv. 25 IBU. Dark brown, nearly black. Finger of tan head. Fair retention, nice lace. Nose of roasted malt, ground coffee, cocoa, wood, herbal. Front taste of coffee, bittersweet chocolate, earthy hops on the back end. Aftertaste of dark chocolate, toffee, earthy hop sustain. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, carby, slightly thick.

This is an excellent brown ale. The aromas and flavors of coffee, chocolate, and herbal notes mix well and are present throughout. The hop profile stands tall without overtaking the malt flavors. A solid beer and an excellent example of its category. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"Reminiscent of coffee and dark chocolate, this dark ale exhibits a mild sweetness and finishing roast dryness. This big ol’ Brown Porter is a Mammoth legend. And what’s nice to know is that no nuts were harmed or used during the brewing of this beer."

[source: mammothbrewingco.com]

"Mammoth Brewing Company has been brewing award-winning, handcrafted beers in the Eastern Sierra since 1995. The most important ingredient in our beer is our water, and the High Sierra has some of the best water in the world, fresh out of the mountains and lakes that surround us. A locals' favorite, this dark ale is reminiscent of coffee and dark chocolate and is our version of a brown porter. Double Nut Brown exhibits a mild sweetness and a finishing roasty dryness."
[source: bottle]

Central City Brewing Imperial Porter. 9% abv. 60 IBU. Black in color, with two+ fingers of rich tan head. Superb retention and outstanding lace. Nose of heavily roasted, almost burnt malt, dark chocolate, vanilla cookie. Front taste of bittersweet chocolate, black coffee, bitter earthy hops, sour fruit back end. Aftertaste of burnt dark malt, pungent bitter fruit, espresso, notes of vanilla, with banana peel on the sustain. Medium-full body. Mouthfeel is warm, creamy, silky, astringent.

This is an outstanding beer that was nearly derailed by a couple of flaws. The high points are the exquisite head and body, the complex and inviting aroma, and the rich taste of dark chocolate, coffee, and roasted grain. The low point is the aftertaste, which starts fine but quickly becomes overly bitter and roasted/burnt, saved only by its pleasant sustain. During the start of that aggressive aftertaste, I briefly wondered if my bottle had expired - it's never a good sign when one wonders that. Still, worts and all, this is a superb imperial porter, one that offers more character than many in its category. Highly recommended.

From the company:

"Deep aromas of roasted malts and bakers chocolate combine with a silky full body, leaving you wanting more."

[centralcitybeer.com]

"This original release of this was a 2011 draft-only batch and is retired. In 2013/2014 bottled beer (also on tap at the brewpub) with a black label was the Bourbon Barrel Imperial Porter, but the label was not clear about that. The Autumn 2014 bottling (red label) is the return of the non-bourbon version."
[source: ratebeer.com]

Stone Brewing Smoked Porter. 5.9% abv. Black in color. Thin beige head. Excellent retention and outstanding lacing. Nose of dark fruit, sweet dark malt, smoke. Front taste of smoked grain, dark bitter fruit, dark chocolate. Rich and meaty. Aftertaste is smoke, mild spice, bitter dark fruity hops. Medium body. Mouthfeel is warm, rich, thick.

This is a good smoky beer, an ideal example of its category. The smoke flavor comes through nicely throughout without overpowering, accenting the malt grain taste, not replacing it. Notes of fruit and chocolate mingle well, adding to the somewhat complex flavor. Nicely crafted and delicious. Well recommended.

From the brewery:

"When first released, our smoky version of a traditional English porter was ahead of its time. Today, it's a highly regarded staple among craft beer fans and our go-to food complement; pairing effortlessly with all kinds of cuisine, from peanut butter and banana sandwiches to braised pork belly to apple pie. This worldly libation is dark, smooth, and complex, with rich chocolate and coffee flavors suffused with subtle smokiness from the addition of peat-smoked malt."

[source: stonebrewing.com]

Wonderful lacing on this smoked porter.