beer_name: Smokestack Heritage Porter
text: 1 L swing-top bottle purchased at the brewery...Great label! Appearance: Deep brown, stout-like. Good caramel-colored head with some serious strength. Smell: I wasn't sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised that the smoke aroma didn't overtake it. The smoke is definitely there, but more as a background. Nice roasted malt and chocolate-like aromas predominate. The smoke background is a woody-like aroma. Taste: I was again happily surprised that the smoke wasn't the only thing there. Initially, it seemed like I was tasting a bit of East End's Black Strap Stout, minus the sweetness. There is a strong roasty and cocoa flavor with a mild hop astringency. Woody smoke flavors lay in the background never trying to dominate things. A great overall balance. Mouthfeel: Nice body and carbonation feel good in the mouth and on the tounge. Drinkability: I really like it, but I can see this being over the top for some. Mostly smooth and balanced for a porter.