Atwater Vanilla Java Porter
The pour produces a cola colored brew, with a half finger high head of light beige. There is some carbonation visible around the edges, with no sediment or anything of note. The head dies down quickly, leaving little lacing as it goes. The primary components of the aroma are malts, coiny metals, and a curious heat, as if a jalapeno pepper was dropped into the glass. There are also mild hints of vanilla and dark coffee, as boasted by the title. The taste begins with malts and copper. This metallic taste is comparable to putting a penny in your mouth, and working it around. The middle is sweeter, and a bit tangy. This quickly falls to sourness (like sour cream), that leaves the mouth with a similar aftertaste. Again, as in the nose, there are also minor hints at vanilla and coffee, but neither really takes center stage. The body and carbonation are both light. There is little coating from the brew, and the mouthfeel is otherwise dull, like drinking flat, bitter soda. The abv is within range, but the curious flavor profile makes this beer slower drinking. Overall, what was best about this beer was its appearance. While it does have the main attributes of a porter visually, it falls way short in other aspects. What was most offensive about the brew was the overly metallic (and spicy pepper!!) qualities throughout the aroma and taste, making this beer less than desirable.