Originally, I wrote a short review of Yuengling Porter back in May of 2000. That review weighed in at a mere 177 words, less than half of what my reviews tend to run these days. I am becoming long in tooth and words both, it seems. Still, this is a very special beer, and I do feel I can do it better justice with a few more details than I originally included.
Yuengling must be doing something right since they have the enviable dilemma of demand outstripping supply. Their brands have a huge presence in Philadelphia and most of Pennsylvania. You’ll find the familiar Yuengling logo on billboards, tap handles in bars, and on case cartons available for sale in just about every packaged beer outlet I have visited in the area. The beer is a real bargain too; you can easily pick up a case for a little over $16. Yuengling actually had to cut back on distribution of their beers because they couldn’t brew enough, but they’ve recently added a new brewery in Florida, which was formerly operated by Stroh. This should help alleviate their distribution crunch, as should additional capacity at the Pottsville Pennsylvania location.
Yuengling Porter is a bottom-fermented beer, unlike most porters, which are top-fermented. Bottom fermenting is typical of lagers rather than ales, and means that the yeast perform their magic at the bottom of the beer rather than the top. Bottom fermentation takes place at colder temperatures and generally produces a beer with less fruity notes than a warm top ferment. Though there are beers called porters brewed in Poland, Sweden, Finland, and the Baltics that are bottom fermented, the norm is to brew these as ales. In America, Stegmaier Porter is another beer that has been bottom fermented, though of late it has been top fermented.
Yuengling Porter is a bit smoother as a result of it’s bottom fermentation, and more drinkable too. Still it has more than enough flavor to make it worth drinking. The beer has a deep black color and forms a respectable head of foam upon the pour. There’s a bit of roastiness in the nose as well as some chocolate. The palate is relatively smooth with a very subtle touch of chocolate, hints of prune, a little grassiness and a gentle roastiness that leads into a well-balanced finish. Yuengling Porter won't assault your taste buds with an overload of flavor, but it *will* most certainly leave them happy and knowing a great beer has just flowed over them. Pick up a case of this classic from America’s oldest operating brewer today, and pour yourself glass of history.
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