SMOKED PORTER 2012

​​A few months back we took a trip to a local off license which stocks more than the usual lager and craft beer selections. We had staked out their website beforehand and knew what we wanted to get. So after splashing around £40 \ $56 on three bottles of sought after booze, we had acquired amongst other a bottle of Smoked Porter from The Alaskan Brewing Company.

Our bottle was labelled 2012 and according to the website, this beer is produced in limited vintages each year on November 1st. Just like a fine wine, this Porter can be aged in the bottle and this bottle is dated 18th September 2012. So as this piece is a live review, I am going to tell you just what its like 11 days away from its fourth birthday.

Lets start with the price. Online searches vary, but an average price of £10 - £11 per 650ml bottle seems to be the current norm. ​​Bottled in Alaska at 6.5%, "rauchbier" as it is known in Germany, was virtually unknown in the US until Alaskan Smoked Porter was developed in 1988

​After four months in the LiquorJunky fridge, I felt it had long enough to age. So tonight I decided to crack it open and do this piece while I sampled. With a slow careful pour, I immediately noticed the head, or the fact there wasn't one. When it first hit the glass I was expecting a Guinness like drink, the colour and depth of smell is there however.

​Smoked Porter is much more carbonated than I expected and the first taste was full of fizz. After giving it some time to settle while I set up this webpage, I did notice a difference in my second sip. I admit my first thought was fish, smoked salmon perhaps. The official description is - The dark, robust body and pronounced smoky flavour of this limited edition beer make it an adventuresome taste experience. Adventuresome? well maybe if I was drinking it on a glacier staring at a Bear, otherwise, its a decent beer, perfect for a winters night in front of the fire, paired with some smoked salmon. Yes it is smoky and yes it does taste good.

I have about a quarter of a pint left and while I am savouring it, how much of that is to do with the cost? £10 a bottle ensures you wont be drinking it all night, not unless you find it on an all inclusive Alaskan Cruise. Its a special occasion beer, just not sure what that occasion would be​​​​​​

We bought our bottle at The Light House Wine Store

607 Shore Road
Whiteabbey
County Antrim
info@lighthousewine.co.uk