April 21st, 2008
Reviews 04-16-08: Smutty Baltic Porter & Lagunitas Shut-Down Ale
It has been way too long since our last review. Last Wednesday, Ian and I decided to get back into action with a quick 2 beer review.
We decided on the Smuttynose Baltic Porter and the Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale. Both were enjoyed from 22 oz bottles.
Smuttynose Baltic PorterÂ
“Native to northern Europe, Baltic porters evolved from British porters once exported to the Russian hinterland. Unlike their British cousins, Baltic porters are often brewed as lagers, the tradition we’ve followed. This beer is big, bold & smooth, with malty flavors reminiscent of coffee, dark fruit & raisins. Share one with your comrades!” — Smuttynose Brewing
Here is our review:
The Baltic Porter pours a motor oil-like consistency, a deep dark brown hue with very little opacity. Gorgeous head with a medium brown color with excellent cascading action that turns a nice tan color with a frothy consistency and good retention. Aroma is powerful with hints of chocolate, a burnt, soft smoky aroma from the malts, along with some mild coffee and a slight milk scent. Initially, the taste is sweet chocolate with a very silky feel, and as it moves towards the finish, the taste becomes bitter like dark chocolate along with some strong espresso notes. Mouthfeel is creamy and smooth, with a slight bitter aftertaste. Body is creamy like milk, very well balanced from front to back, a very good beer from all angles.
Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale
The Lagunitas Undercover Investigation Shut-Down Ale is their 12th Anniversary Ale, which is an ESB, was brewed in remembrance of the 2005 St. Patrick’s Day Massacre and in celebration of our 20 day suspension back in January of 2008.
Here is our review:
Pours a medium amber color with a large, frothy, off-white head with excellent retention. Body has great clarity with superb lacing clinging to the glass. Aroma is very well balanced with equal hits of soft grassy bittering hop, some caramel malts with some brown sugar backbone and a gentle but present alcohol. First taste is sweet and malty but quickly moves to a bitter dry citrus hoppy finish with long retention. Light to medium bodied, it has at first a watery texture but quickly becomes creamy and oily with a slight sweet alcohol finish.
It is a very tasty and well balanced beer. Very enjoyable.