black cat a little late

I was warned that this beer was a bit disappointing in terms of power and flavor, but it's a label I can't pass up, and why not give it a try just in case?  Keltius has had hits in the past.  Los Suaves Ourense porter might end up being OK in the end, although the name itself tells you not to expect super strength.

It doesn't smell particularly weak, with a nice sweetish and portery aroma, kind of fruity.  Hint of apple, I think.  The color is what seems a little less opaque than usual, being an almost clear chestnut.  The head starts out abundant and fluffy, but calms down into a thin beige covering.  So the taste?...interesting, but a little underwhelming, possibly due to some priming.  It's more bitter than a lot of porters, but not too much so.  The hint of apple also makes an appearance, but more as an aftertaste, so not as much tartness or fruitiness as most porters I've tried.  I also find a funny woodiness that tags along with the apple, not as appetizing, although not a complete turn-off.  It is true that Los Suaves doesn't throw its weight around like other dark beers do.  I think it's probably better as a drink accompaniment, without having to stand too much on its own.  A little sour snack brings out some more of the porter identity to the beer.

Supplier: La Birratorium
Price: €3.15

saving post-christmas

 From rainy Galicia, the bottle has an eye-catching, sunny yellow cap.  It's appley as soon as it's poured, a light aroma that floods out with the beer.  The beer itself is frothy and cloudy but classic beer colored.  It has a mild taste, bitter at first like a good ale, but after swallowing the fruity sweetness rises to prominence.  Both the bitter and sweet are tongue covering, maybe a little stronger in back, and maintain their strength and balance throughout the bottle.  A good drink, although one that would be better appreciated on balmier evenings.

Who am I kidding?  I bought it because it looks like Jack Skellington on the front