A Dark Taste of New England
Written: Nov 12 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: A hearty, robust porter that sings New England.
Cons: limited availability.
The Bottom Line: A fine porter that conjures warming images of a New England fireplace. A definite winner.
|
|
|
| fuche_bu's Full Review: Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter 2404b |
I have raved over the beers of Otter Creek Brewing Company in the past. This small little microbrewer from Middlebury, VT proves that bigger is not necessarily better. They have consistently managed to crank out some mighty fine brews.
One that I have greatly enjoyed over the years is their Stovepipe Porter. It's a great name for a beer. It conjures up images of relaxing by a fireplace on a snowy evening. It conjures up the notion of a quintessential New England moment. I always associate porters with New England although I have been told, at times, that porter was once more of a Pennsylvania tradition.
The Stovepipe Porter is a great beer for cool weather. It's not really strong at 5.4% abv but it has a robust heartiness that is warming. I crack open a bottle and pour it into my pint glass. It's a dark brown color. This is not a transparent beer by any stretch of the imagination.
Stovepipe pours with a solid head that collapses slowly. Stovepipe will leave a lace on the glass as you drink it. The aroma has a roasty, slightly burnt quality. It has a friendly toastiness in the nose. This is a good start for any beer.
The initial taste is hearty and roasty. It has a good mouthfeel but is not invasive. Stovepipe is full bodied and full flavored. There is a light lingering bitterness from the hops. The finish has a nuttiness to it. This is a classic pub porter. Like any true porter, it is a very direct, tasty beer.
I would recommend this one as a good companion for a meal. It's a good meat and potatoes beer. It'll work with a burger, meatloaf and mashed potatoes or a steak with a baked potato. Choose your poison here. It will probably work.
Stovepipe also tastes great on its own. It's a good restorative after raking leaves. I't also serves as good compliment to an early season hockey game. This is a versatile brew that enhances Otter Creek's richly deserved reputation for fine beers.
Recommended:
Yes
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
fuche_bu
|
 - Top 500 |
|
Member: George Schaefer
Location: West Bristol, PA
Reviews written: 1103
Trusted by: 327 members
About Me:
Busy at work and missing a lot of epinions fun.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.