porter day

Baltic Porter Day was announced as January 18, so it wasn't that big a surprise when I went to pick up something for the occasion and there was just a space on the shelves.  As you can see, I missed the 18th, but I have also seen the holiday listed as the third Saturday in January, so I'll take this loophole.  Unfortunately, I also need to find a loophole for the Baltic part; plenty of stouts around (for next month), but not a lot of porters.  I did have a regular but spiced porter presented: BBNO 03's 10th anniversary collaboration with Amundsen.  It looks quite complex, flavored with chocolate, orange and cinnamon.  The Holidays might be over, but this holiday looks like it has a tasty drink to go with it.

Not especially thick pouring out, but the beige head is pretty fluffy.  Spicy and slightly citrusy aroma, only the barest hint of chocolate lurking.  It's very toasty, still not strong chocolate, but with just a little bit of sweetness.  It's not actually very bitter, more smoky and earthy, so a smoother beer than expected at first.  Even the sweetness is subdued, so the taste is quite clean.  There's no aftertaste to speak of and the beer itself has a light and smooth feel.  After settling for a few minutes a more obvious flavor of chocolate starts to come through, but the beer remains drinkable and gentle, not as thick and warming as some I would choose for the season, but still delightful.

Supplier: La Mundial

Price: €7.60