Mad River Brewing Co.'s Steelhead Scotch Style Porter is, "[a] traditionally styled Porter...focused on complex malt characteristics balanced with a mild hop profile. The addition of Scottish peated malt gives added complexity and mild smoky flavor in the finish.
6.5% ABV and brewed in Northern California.
Steelhead Scotch Style Porter pours a deep, dark, brown...almost black, and has a thin 1/8" head. There are slight ruby highlights. Aroma is dominated by dark roasted malts, grassy hop character, and some sweet crystal malts. The taste is very interesting... both sweet and sour, with chalky chocolate notes battling an interesting tartness. The hop character is hidden behind... what is that... OH! Smoke! Peated smoke! That explains the slight tang. The body is medium to full, but not thick.
(Side Note: Mad River recommends this beer with game meats, sausage, marinades & slow cooking.)
To say that this beer is complex would be a slight understatement. I mean, who has the guts to make a "scotch style porter"... only one brewery that I know of... this one! I'd give them an A for guts, but while this beer is impressive, it just lacks a little excitement. Still a great beer. One that would be wonderful paired with sausage on a fall afternoon on the mainland--or with smoked ahi on a rainy day here in Hawaii.
Barrel man says,
"mmm! smokey!"
(bottle purchased Liquor Collection.)
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