Last night I opened a bottle of Robust Porter by Smuttynose Brewing (Portsmouth, NH). This beer was number 298 for my Year in Beer challenge. And a mighty fine 298 it was. This porter leans toward the malt side as opposed to the hop side. With a twinge of smooth coffee and chocolate underlying the taste.
Smuttynose Brewing writes this about Robust Porter:
GOLD MEDAL WINNER – Porter , 2001 Great American Beer Festival
JUDGED GRAND CHAMPION – Best Porter in the USA – 10th Annual US Beer Tasting Championship
This hearty, mahogany colored ale is brewed to evoke the dark, full-bodied ales that were a favorite of dockworkers and warehousemen (hence the name “Porter”) in 19th century London. It is a good bet that when Dickens’ Mr. Pickwick sat down for a pint, we would have been drinking an ale much like our Robust Porter.This is a smooth and very drinkable beer, characterized by its well-balanced malt and hops, plus subtle notes of coffee and chocolate.
ABV 5.7%
If I had a list of top 5 porters, this one would be on it. If your looking for a porter with a strong hop characteristic, this is not it. But both the Beer Goddess and I agree that everything we have had from Smuttynose has been a great tasting beer.
Purchase Details:
This was purchased at ABC Fine Wine & Spirits in Lake Mary, FL. The cost was $10.39 (plus tax) for a 6 pack of 12 ounce bottles. The beer was purchased on July 13, 2010.