Porters, Porters, Porters!

[fretlessman71]

I had thought about doing this for a long time... I had even asked a few people if they thought that I should try it. Most told me that they'd get so sick of drinking the same style over and over again that they'd probably never go back to it. Then I remembered that I'm the guy who can eat frozen burritos for every meal for 3 weeks and not really care.... :p

I've purchased a large amount of porters over the last month, and haven't touched one of them. My plan is to start with my old fave, SN, and then work my way through the rest of them by style (Am. Porter, Eng. Porter, or maybe brown porter vs. robust porter), and in ascending order of ranking between ratebeer and beeradvocate. When I'm done, I plan on having ANOTHER SN Porter to see if I still feel the same way about it. Ought to be a pretty cool experiment!

Here's what I have, in no particular order:


Boulevard BULLY! Porter
Sierra Nevada Porter
Great Divide St. Brigid Porter
Rogue Mocha Porter
Wasatch Polygamy Porter
Odell’s Cutthroat Porter
Deschutes Black Butte Porter
D. Carnegie 2001 Stark Porter
Sinebrychoff Porter (Koff Porter)
Avery New World Porter
Boulder Planet Porter
Left Hand Black Jack Porter
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter
Ska Ten Pin Porter
Fuller’s London Porter
Flying Dog Road Dog Porter
Butte Creek Organic Porter
Flag Porter
Steelhead Scotch Porter
Bert Grant’s Perfect Porter
Red Hook “Blackhook” Porter
Alaskan 2004 Smoked Porter
Big Horn Total Disorder Porter


If anyone has suggestions, feel free to let me know. If you'd like to send me something to add to the mix, well, that's cool too! I'll post my thoughts on each beer as I get to them. I know, it's a dirty job, but SOMEONE'S got to do it!

Just as soon as I'm over the flu....

[Stahlsturm]

Can´t help you there... Not for lack of appropriate beer but because I doubt US customs would take attempts to send beer to Colorado kindly. I don´t feel like getting detained and shipped to Guatanamo next time I try to visit my in-laws.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
If anyone has suggestions, feel free to let me know.

Hmm, conspicuously missing from the list is Anchor Porter - still one of my favorites.

Also, maybe some Baltic Porters, as the style is a direct descendant of the British Isles style.

S.

But yeah, I think yer gonna be sick of the style after a while...

[Wolf359]

Looks like you've got lots of great stuff there Fret. Avery's porter is really good, as is the Sam Smiths. That Black Butte porter from Deschutes would get my top pick, an exceptionally drinkable dark beer that is their flagship product - always good. The Wasatch porter is also great drinking, especially for being under 4%.

[HogieWan]

I think its a great experiment. Maybe you should send me one of each (free of charge) and I could help you with your challenge.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Stahlsturm
. I don´t feel like getting detained and shipped to Guatanamo next time I try to visit my in-laws.

LOL!

[chazwicke]

That is quite the list Fret. I think I have only had about 10 of them. My favorites from the list would have to be Taddy and probably Flag. There are others there that are very good too. Porter not being my favorite style I only occasionally buy one. I had several at brewpubs recently and most were too roasty. I also noticed that some brewers that are making brown ales are making them dangerously close to the porter style. When are you going to begin this task? I'll see if I can add to your list a bit. No promises but let me see what I can find. I like the idea of your tasting one style and look forward to your report.

[studentofbeer]

one more suggestion if you can get it is great lakes' edmund fitzgerald porter (make sure to play the gordon lightfoot track while drinking it for the true experience).

also stone makes a smoked porter, tho i think i prefer alaskan's.

quite a project! i look forward to weekly updates.

[MeridianFC]

Originally posted by Stahlsturm
Can´t help you there... Not for lack of appropriate beer but because I doubt US customs would take attempts to send beer to Colorado kindly. I don´t feel like getting detained and shipped to Guatanamo next time I try to visit my in-laws.

Depending on which state it's not illegal to send beer to the US as long as it's not through the US mail.

Fret,

I'd do the Alaskan near the end as it'll probably fry your tastebuds for the others brews.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Hmm, conspicuously missing from the list is Anchor Porter - still one of my favorites.

Also, maybe some Baltic Porters, as the style is a direct descendant of the British Isles style.

S.

But yeah, I think yer gonna be sick of the style after a while... I can't FIND Anchor Porter out here! I see the Steam and Liberty Ale, and even the OSA, but no porter. :(

Recommend some Baltics to me?

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by studentofbeer
one more suggestion if you can get it is great lakes' edmund fitzgerald porter (make sure to play the gordon lightfoot track while drinking it for the true experience).

also stone makes a smoked porter, tho i think i prefer alaskan's.

quite a project! i look forward to weekly updates. Can't get the Fitz out here, unfortunately - I've heard wonderful things about it, though.

Thought about getting the Stone Smoked Porter as well, tho it only comes in bombers. Of course, so does the Alaskan... maybe with those brews I'll drink half the bottle one night and the rest the following night, and do two seperate reviews. Somehow I've always liked what happens to big beers when they have a chance to see a little oxygen for a day or so in the fridge.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by chazwicke
When are you going to begin this task? I'll see if I can add to your list a bit. No promises but let me see what I can find. I like the idea of your tasting one style and look forward to your report. I plan on starting next week sometime, as right now I have a bugger of a cold and a fever to boot. Haven't had a beer since Sunday night after a gig in Loveland (they had a pilot pale ale from Odell's on tap - Good stuff, Maynard.... :)), and I'm still too dehydrated to even try one, even if I stopped taking DayQuil and Zicam and Vicks Formula 44 all day. Add to that the fact that starting Thursday I'm going to be running around like a chicken with his head cut off until the Super Bowl starts, and it all adds up to waiting for a week or so... this is definitely something I don't want to rush!

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by MeridianFC

Fret,

I'd do the Alaskan near the end as it'll probably fry your tastebuds for the others brews. Actually, I plan to try that one second-to-last, just before I revisit SN Porter. If I go get a Stone Smoked Porter I'll do the big boys back-to-back.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
I can't FIND Anchor Porter out here!

Recommend some Baltics to me?

Aldaris Aldaris Porteris (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2287&highlight=Baltic+Porter). If you can find it... what's the deal out there? I thought it was "beer paradise?"

[chazwicke]

I remember tasting this at a Latvian beer dinner. It was at the Brickskeller.

They don't get any FFF in his beer paradise either. But then I can't get the 90 Shilling in mine. :(

[Katefan00]

Ahhh -- porters. Near and dear to my heart. In fact, if I were pressed to choose, I might very well pick porter as my favorite style of beer.

The only Baltic-style porter I've ever had was Heavyweight's Perkuno's Hammer. I didn't take tasting notes on it, but I remember thinking how different it was from the other styles of porters I'd been used to drinking. I would think it worthy of inclusion in your test.

Sigh!


K.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Aldaris Aldaris Porteris (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2287&highlight=Baltic+Porter). If you can find it... what's the deal out there? I thought it was "beer paradise?" It IS by comparison, really... comparison to where I USED to live. The problem is that there are so many local breweries that there's not enough shelf space to stock EVERYTHING, and at a place like Wilbur's, which has a beer cooler almost 1/10 mi. long, the CO stuff takes up at least 15 doors (not counting Budweiser, which is also local, unfortunately). Plus, just because we'd like to stock their beer doesn't mean that they can distribute it to this location. Sometimes it's THEIR fault...

[BluesHarp]

No FFF, huh? Too bad...no AlphaKlaus.:(

[fretlessman71]

At least I've had the Alpha Klaus before, though. Amazing beer! But I'm limiting my tasting to non-imperials this time. Not really fair to try to compare, you know?

[BluesHarp]

Very true...at least you have had the opportunity to try some...

[fretlessman71]

One beer that I couldn't find, but was very interested in, was Sam Adams' Holiday Porter. Anyone try it or have a spare bottle?

[chazwicke]

4238! Man you are cranking them out today!

[fretlessman71]

And last night, too... hard to sleep or even lay down with all this crap in my lungs (don't mean to be gross, but you should see what's coming up), and TV bores me, and bass playing hurts my hands, but typing is okay... what else is there for me to do? :(

[chazwicke]

My wife is coming down with something similiar. I actually had to cook dinner last night. I cooked Chinese :D Well made the call. And I even did the dishes. Threw out the containers. Man she owes me! Hope you feel better Fret. I got a flu shot around New Years when they lifted the restrictions here.

[Seymour]

Flumist. Think Flumist next year. That nasal spray vaccine is for 5 years to 49 years--and there was no nationwide shortage. As I see it, flu cuts into your beer tasting time!

I'd purely love to see that many porters in my area. Sighh...at least I can get Sierra Nevada and Anchor.

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by steveh
Hmm, conspicuously missing from the list is Anchor Porter - still one of my favorites.

Also, maybe some Baltic Porters, as the style is a direct descendant of the British Isles style.

S.

But yeah, I think yer gonna be sick of the style after a while...

I also notice the absence of Blackwatch Cream Porter.

[skahtboi]

Originally posted by Seymour
Flumist. Think Flumist next year. That nasal spray vaccine is for 5 years to 49 years--and there was no nationwide shortage. As I see it, flu cuts into your beer tasting time!

I'd purely love to see that many porters in my area. Sighh...at least I can get Sierra Nevada and Anchor.

I agree. Actually did the Flumist this year, since there was a national "shortage" :rolleyes: of the standard flu vaccine.

[I'mRocketMan]

Hoogstraten Poorter (7.2%?) is REALLY nice! Wasn't the Stone 8th a robust porter??

Sounds MIGHTY TASTY!!

Cheers! Rocket (who wishes he still had some of the Launch Pad's Pluto Porter Plus!!)

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by skahtboi
I also notice the absence of Blackwatch Cream Porter. If I can find it as a single I'll get it... I ain't buying a 6er of porters at this point, if ya know what I mean.

Same goes for the Sam Adams Holiday Pack - I have WAAAAAAY too much beer in the house for me to get a 12er just for a bottle of beer! It's really too bad...

[chazwicke]

That has never stopped me from buying more. I've got more than I'll drink in a year. And I brought back a load from stores in NY and Mass. :D

[fretlessman71]

If I got any more beer than I have right now I'd need an extra bedroom.... *sigh*

Anyway, I did happen to find Baltika Porter and Utenos Porter today to add to the mix (had to go out and get medicine, and, well, Wilbur's was right there, and I just.... *sob* :D). When I'm actually able to drink these and TASTE them, I'm going to dive right in. Look for the postings in about a week or so.

[Stahlsturm]

Originally posted by MeridianFC
Depending on which state it's not illegal to send beer to the US as long as it's not through the US mail.

Is there a list somewhere ?

[ray m]

Originally posted by fretlessman71:

One beer that I couldn't find, but was very interested in, was Sam Adams' Holiday Porter. Anyone try it or have a spare bottle?
_________________________________________

I was fortunate enough to try it in their winter sampler. The SA Holiday Porter was the best porter I've tasted in a long time. Extremely smooth, with detectable chocolatey notes and no screaming in-your-face roastiness. How I wish they had 6ers of them available. :(

[chazwicke]

That sounds good. I do not like the overwhelming roasty flavor or aroma in most American porters. I'd like to try the SA porter and the black lager. Both sound interesting.

[ray m]

I'm the exact same way with porters. If it's got tons of roastiness in it I can't drink it. Gotta admit I didn't want to try the SA model for almost 3 weeks because I was, well, sceered.

I was very pleasantly surprised indeed. If 12 packs of this were available, I would snatch one up without hesitation.:)

[ADR]

Anyone try St. Peter Old Style Porter?

An old school Porter from a flask bottle that looks like it should have patent medicine in it. Very dark black, just a little light comes through at the bottom. Dark tan head rises and falls in a minute. Nice thick lacing on the glass. Heavy aroma, malty but pruney with lots of spicing and slight medicinal qualities. Thick and chewy mouthfeel. Flavor is interesting in its depth and layers -- more prunes, fortified wine, dark roasted senses, a seeming layer of ashy bitters at the finish. Aroma keeps backing up the flavors in the mouth. Interesting rendition, lots of flavors to note that imply more alcohol than is really around. Reminds me of what an historical Porter may have tasted like, tavern owners blending all sorts of brews and even adding strange and unexpected flavorings for balance and color. The drinkability is kind of subjective to me, its a little different.

[chazwicke]

I have a bottle in my fridge. I think these are organic beers as well? Can't remember. The bottle is also supposedly a replica of an old beer bottle. Thanks for the tasting notes.

[Katefan00]

I believe I've had another style out of St. Peter's -- I think an ale, maybe. Can't directly recall, but it definitely wasn't a porter. The ale, as I remember, also was in an old-style bottle, flask-shaped. It looked like it ought to have been corked instead of capped! I got a kick out of the novelty value of the bottle, but don't remember being particularly impressed with the ale (or whatever it was).

K.

[ADR]

St. Peter's has an organic Pale and Bitter...here's a link to the Porter...

http://www.stpetersbrewery.co.uk/range/prod_detail.asp?CatID=1&Code=BEER12

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by ADR
Anyone try St. Peter Old Style Porter?

An old school Porter from a flask bottle that looks like it should have patent medicine in it. Very dark black, just a little light comes through at the bottom. Dark tan head rises and falls in a minute. Nice thick lacing on the glass. Heavy aroma, malty but pruney with lots of spicing and slight medicinal qualities. Thick and chewy mouthfeel. Flavor is interesting in its depth and layers -- more prunes, fortified wine, dark roasted senses, a seeming layer of ashy bitters at the finish. Aroma keeps backing up the flavors in the mouth. Interesting rendition, lots of flavors to note that imply more alcohol than is really around. Reminds me of what an historical Porter may have tasted like, tavern owners blending all sorts of brews and even adding strange and unexpected flavorings for balance and color. The drinkability is kind of subjective to me, its a little different. I've seen this at Wilbur's... but I've been hesitant. Sometimes the "more expensive" brews sold a bottle at a time are a little more esoteric in nature, if you know what I mean. Even though I'm doing this tasting to improve my understanding of flavors, I really don't want to have to work too hard to enjoy a beer! Who knows - maybe I'll get brave when I'm over that direction later today...

[chazwicke]

Come on! Go for it!

[ADR]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Come on! Go for it!

LOL, I agree...

Think of it this way, its like 3 to 4 dollars (I think)...less than or equal to a pint in a smaller market big city brewpub...and you aren't stuck with a six pack if its mediocre...

And in this case, its tasting a Porter that may be close to what they were really like over 100 years ago, a blend of dark Old Ales with younger beers...

[fretlessman71]

We'll see how much money I have left over after buying my wife's meds today - looks like she got 2 colds at once (one of them from me), and also seems to be having acid reflux issues en masse. Already feeling guilty about the fridge full of beer I can't drink until I'M over this crap... :(

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by ADR
Anyone try St. Peter Old Style Porter?

I tried this a while back and I remeber enjoying it thoroughly. I say it's a welcome addition to your list if you can find it.

[fretlessman71]

Maybe I'll get brave after all..... :)

Saw Stoney Creek Vanilla Porter the other day; didn't have the heart to get it. Tried it many moons ago, and YUCK.

[SoxyinMO]

Fret, sounds like a great way to round out the winter!

Stone Smoked was always my favorite. I'd take one of those, and Al would take an Arrogant B. to the Wild Animal Park in San Pasqual at Christmas. We'd sit on the hill and watch the WAGASA train go around the paddock.

I'm making myself home-sick :(

[fretlessman71]

Well, no wonder you're such a big Stone fan if that's where you hail from in the first place! I had no idea...

[fretlessman71]

Okay, so I ended up adding three porters to the list: Sam Adams Holiday Porter, St. Peter's Old Style Porter (very cool bottle!), and a Baltic Porter from Pivovar Pardubice from the Czech Republic (although it might not be fair to compare this one at 8%!). Totally forgot about Stone Smoked Porter this time; but I see it almost everywhere I go, and I'll be sure to get some by the end of the string of tastings. The Czech beer says "Dark Beer" all over it, like we won't understand just by looking at the part of the label that says "porter." Ought to be very interesting!

BTW... the fact that I got two bottles of SA Holiday Porter means that I ALSO got two bottles of SA Light and two MORE bottles of SA Cranberry Lambic... anyone want to trade? :rolleyes:

[Stodbrew]

[i]Originally posted by fretlessman71

BTW... the fact that I got two bottles of SA Holiday Porter means that I ALSO got two bottles of SA Light and two MORE bottles of SA Cranberry Lambic... anyone want to trade? [/B]


Hmmm.... Tempting, but I think I'll pass! :D

[Bruno_78]

Hey Fret, I might be able to get you a bottle of the Great Lakes Edmund, if you're interested. I know that's quite a lot of work already, but I'll get some if you want to try it.

You're taking notes on all these, right?

[fretlessman71]

You bet I am! One, two a night TOPS, so my palate stays fresh, and I'm posting them for God and everyone to see.

An Edmund would be WONDERFUL, as well as a whole lot of other beer you have access to! Let's see if we can't work something out next week when my conference has blown over and I can breathe again... :)

[Bruno_78]

What do I have access to? I don't usually drink porters, so I don't know what's around.

[fretlessman71]

Well, you can get FFF, so that's close enough for me! Don't they make something like that (other than Alpha Klaus)?

[chazwicke]

That new avatar seems to be very well taken. My compliments to the photographer.:D

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, I saw a pic of Bruno just like that where he was standing next to this guy who didn't have a human head.... ;)

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by chazwicke
That new avatar seems to be very well taken. My compliments to the photographer.:D

Yeah, I thought I'd put up a picture where you could actully see me smiling under that animalistic mustache.

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Well, you can get FFF, so that's close enough for me! Don't they make something like that (other than Alpha Klaus)?

I didn't think the alpha klaus was a porter, was it?

I've been wanting to try their Dark Lord Stout, but I haven't seen it anywhere, and I haven't been able to get over to the brewery.

[fretlessman71]

The AK is indeed an Imperial Christmas Porter... check it out. (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/26/7438/)

You may never find the Dark Lord, from what I hear....

...and in response to your new sig line... keep drinking! ;)

[Bruno_78]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
The AK is indeed an Imperial Christmas Porter... check it out. (http://beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/26/7438/)

You may never find the Dark Lord, from what I hear....

...and in response to your new sig line... keep drinking! ;)

Well, that explains why I didn't care for it.

I know that they just brewed the Dark Lord a few months ago. Straight from Mike Floyd.

And about the signature... YOU don't get it!

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
I didn't think the alpha klaus was a porter, was it?

I've been wanting to try their Dark Lord Stout, but I haven't seen it anywhere, and I haven't been able to get over to the brewery.

Alpha Klaus is as close to a porter as Nick Floyd will probably make...;) But it is gooood stuff!!

Darklord, huh? I'm not sure how much luck you will have getting it outside the brewery, it sells out as soon as it is released.
My cousin drove over three hours to get some at Three Floyds the day they released it last year; my remaining bottle still looks like it hasn't settled out yet.

We drank one last February and it was really, really, green.
It's hard to tell when they will release either the Darklord or the Behemoth Barleywine...it tells them when it is done...

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by Bruno_78
Well, that explains why I didn't care for it.

I know that they just brewed the Dark Lord a few months ago. Straight from Mike Floyd.

And about the signature... YOU don't get it! Which of the 3 is Mike again?

I might get your signature if you keep drinking....

[Bruno_78]

Mike is the father.

I had the pleasure of meeting him sometime back in october, I think.

[chazwicke]

Please don't ask him to join the board. that will really tip the mike scale.

[fretlessman71]

Yep - just one more troubled soul feeling the pressure of trying to be "Like God"... :)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Yep - just one more troubled soul feeling the pressure of trying to be "Like God"...

But he named his two sons Steve. :eek:

S.

Just kidding, dunno wot their names are...

[chazwicke]

Yeah and don't ask George Forman to join either. His family alone would win the award.

[BluesHarp]

Originally posted by steveh
But he named his two sons Steve.
S.

Just kidding, dunno wot their names are...

Well, one is Nick...also known as "Floydicus"...although I'm sure that is spelled wrong.

Went there last year and we left with two handtruck loads of beer...probably seven or eight cases.

Good guys.:cool:

[fretlessman71]

Just got a bomber of Stone Smoked Porter to add to the list. Still haven't been able to have any of them yet.... :(

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Aldaris Aldaris Porteris (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2287&highlight=Baltic+Porter). If you can find it... This one, right? Haven't seen it yet.... http://ratebeer.com/Beer/aldaris-porteris/4947/

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
This one, right?

Yup.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Haven't seen that one around, and am pretty sure that I won't. At this stage I think I'm set (save for a few possible trades in the works). When all is said and done I'll have well over 30 porters to try! This is going to last until the end of March EASY...... :)

[HogieWan]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
When all is said and done I'll have well over 30 porters to try! This is going to last until the end of March EASY...... :)


Wow - that's all I have to say

[Bryant]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by fretlessman71
[B]I had thought about doing this for a long time... I had even asked a few people if they thought that I should try it.

I've purchased a large amount of porters over the last month, and haven't touched one of them. My plan is to start with my old fave, SN, and then work my way through the rest of them by style.....Here's what I have, in no particular order:


Sierra Nevada Porter
Rogue Mocha Porter
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter
Fuller’s London Porter
Flying Dog Road Dog Porter
Red Hook “Blackhook” Porter

(I included the ones on your list I have tried)


If anyone has suggestions, feel free to let me know. [QUOTE]

I honestly feel bad for you that Sweetwater (Sweetwater Brewing Co. Atlanta Georgia) is not even close to being available to you. It is not available locally to me and I am only 90 miles from Atlanta either though. I have read reviews of it several times they range from about 3.5/5 - 4.5/5.
Sweetwater normally carries off a trophy or two from the GABF. The Sweetwater Exodus Porter won a silver medal in 2000 there for "best brown porter." Not that those festivals mean a hill of beans, but obviously someone took notice. Sweetwater also makes a very good IPA and ESB as well.

www.sweetwaterbrew.com


Bryant

[Katefan00]

Ah, another one on realbeer.com who will sing Sweetwater's praises... I am in love with their Sweet Georgia Brown. Thanks to a trade with Payson, I'm actually able to enjoy it. Their Festive ale was excellent, too. I have one left, and have been saving it for a particularly cold night.

K.

[fretlessman71]

Wish I'd known they were out there when we lived in Gnashville... we went to Atlanta a couple of times, sometimes on our way to Homestead, Fla. At least I was able to find Yuengling Porter there, which was very nice indeed.

[chazwicke]

Yuengling Porter stands well above the rest of the Yuengling line. Or at least it used to.

[fretlessman71]

It's the only Yuengling I've ever had, so I wouldn't know...

[chazwicke]

IMHO Sam Adams lager is better than Yuengling. If that tells you anything. Again, IMHO.

[fretlessman71]

Isn't the Yuengling closer to a macro?

[chazwicke]

Flavorwise, one tiny step above IMHO.

[fretlessman71]

Hey chaz, any porters in your neck of the woods that deserve not to be overlooked on this quest of mine?

[chazwicke]

Legend from Richmond used to be surperb. It has declined in the last decade. I'm gonna head to the Paint store soon and I intend to see if I can add any to your list. This is a task that i am glad you are doing. If I had to choose a style and do what you are doing, I would never pick porter. I'll let you know what I find. I've got a porter from Newport Storm But I'm drinking it.

[fretlessman71]

I'll send you a 90 Shilling for whatever you can send me - how's that sound?

[chazwicke]

Deal! but you actually don't have to send anything if you don't want. This is a "research project" that you are doing. I don't mind contributing.

[fretlessman71]

Yeah, but where ELSE are you gonna get your 90? ;)

[fretlessman71]

Anyone know a good way to post a word doc on here as an attachment? If so, I'll post what I've got so far and the order and reasoning for it all. :)

[chazwicke]

That would be superb. I'll take the list with me when I shop and also We can use it to track your tastings.

[fretlessman71]

Why don't I just do it like THIS.....

American Porters
Wasatch Polygamy Porter
Boulder Planet Porter
Red Hook “Blackhook” Porter
Big Horn Total Disorder Porter
Butte Creek Organic Porter
Samuel Adams Holiday Porter
Ska Ten Pin Porter
Flag Porter
Sierra Nevada Porter
Rogue Mocha Porter
Avery New World Porter
Steelhead Scotch Porter
Boulevard BULLY! Porter
Odell’s Cutthroat Porter
Deschutes Black Butte Porter

English Porters
St. Peter’s Porter
Left Hand Black Jack Porter
Bert Grant’s Perfect Porter
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter
Fuller’s London Porter

Baltic Porters
Utenos Alus Porter
Great Divide St. Brigid Porter
Baltika Porter (6)
Pivovar Pardubice Porter
D. Carnegie 2001 Stark Porter
Sinebrychoff Porter (Koff Porter)

Flying Dog Road Dog Porter (listed as a "Scottish Ale")

Smoked Porters
Stone Smoked Porter
Alaskan 2004 Smoked Porter

Beers I'd like to get, and have a lead on
Anchor Porter
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Bell’s Porter
Blackwatch Cream Porter
Perseus Porter
Three Threads Porter

If/when I get these last ones I'll add them in the appropriate spot (they're all American Porters). I have ordered beers in each category by taking an average of their scores from both ratebeer and beeradvocate, and plan to drink them from lowest-rated to highest-rated, with the exception of Sierra Nevada, which I will have first and last... to see how my perception of this has changed. Sound like fun? :)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71

Beers I'd like to get, and have a lead on
Anchor Porter
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Bell’s Porter
Blackwatch Cream Porter
Perseus Porter
Three Threads Porter


Maybe when you're finished with the monumental task of the first 28...we'll talk. That is if you even want to look at a Porter by then - you may want me to send you a 12 of Dinkel-Acker to stabilize your flavor perception!

S.

[chazwicke]

Thanks for the list Fret, I'll see what I can add.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Maybe when you're finished with the monumental task of the first 28...we'll talk. That is if you even want to look at a Porter by then - you may want me to send you a 12 of Dinkel-Acker to stabilize your flavor perception!

S. I understand that most people wouldn't be able to take on this sort of a task, but then again, most people wouldn't be able to eat frozen burritos for breakfast for 7 months, either. I just don't get tired of stuff! I can make a 5 gal. batch of homemade chili and eat little else until the whole thing is gone. I'm just that way.

However, if you're hellbent on sending the Dinkel-Acker, it would be well received... :)

[steveh]

Okay...burritos and chili, that may be too much information my friend...

S.

[fretlessman71]

It's nothing like what's going on at the Head Retention thread... :rolleyes:

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
Okay...burritos and chili, that may be too much information my friend...

S.

LOL!

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by steveh
Okay...burritos and chili, that may be too much information my friend...

S. You ain't had my chili yet, "my friend!" :)

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
You ain't had my chili yet, "my friend!" :)

Not concerned with the flavor...

S.

Chaz got it.

[fretlessman71]

Hey - not in the same day, okay? And for some reason, my system works in reverse - neither of these things ferment in my intestinal tract. You'd be safe either way. :)

[chazwicke]

He's a regular medical oddity.

[fretlessman71]

Regular, you say? Nothing regular about me - oops, probably too much information again.:)

Seriously, though - any porters that didn't make the list, but should have? No Imperial Porters, please.

[Stodbrew]

Maduro Porter, Coast Range Brewing Co. Great porter. Although I doubt you can get it out there. Let me know if you want some.

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Regular, you say? Nothing regular about me - oops, probably too much information again.:)

Seriously, though - any porters that didn't make the list, but should have? No Imperial Porters, please.

I'm gonna go see what I can find tonight. I've got your list.

[chazwicke]

I picked up a St. George's and Stovepipe Porters for you this evening among a few other things. :D I was looking for a couple of others so I will shop tomorrow at Norm's and Whole Foods. I'm looking for Legends and a couple others not on your list.

[I'mRocketMan]

HMMMMmmmmmmmm! To help me recover fully from the heart attack I had on January 18th, you guys COULD send me a few of those porters on the list.... :D

[tarapin]

Stone's Smoked Porter, Sam Smith Tabby followed closely by SN and Atlantic Brewing Co. Coal Porter (which I have only had on tap) would have to be my favs as far as porters go. Great time of year for this taste test, I might follow suit.

[Bryant]

Originally posted by Katefan00
Ah, another one on realbeer.com who will sing Sweetwater's praises... I am in love with their Sweet Georgia Brown. Thanks to a trade with Payson, I'm actually able to enjoy it. Their Festive ale was excellent, too. I have one left, and have been saving it for a particularly cold night.

K.

I suppose you have had their 420 IPA and ESB as well. They are also pretty-freaking-taste-tastic. Every time I make a trip up to Atlanta (90 miles from me) I pick up a load of Sweetwater.


Bryant

[Bryant]

Post it if you get a hold of the Anchor Porter. I am very curious about it. I adore the Anchor Liberty Ale.


Bryant

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by Bryant
I suppose you have had their 420 IPA and ESB as well. They are also pretty-freaking-taste-tastic. Every time I make a trip up to Atlanta (90 miles from me) I pick up a load of Sweetwater.


Bryant

Stone Coast also has a beer called 420 IPA I wonder if Sweetwater will sue them next.

I has a double version of the Stone Coast at EBF called 840.

[Bryant]

Originally posted by chazwicke
Stone Coast also has a beer called 420 IPA I wonder if Sweetwater will sue them next.

I has a double version of the Stone Coast at EBF called 840.


Ha ha ha lookout Stone Coast ! In all seriousness, I don't think the Sweetwater guys are really shrewd business guys. I think they were looking out for their moniker for other reasons. They do get some notoriety for their brews especially considering they are a brewery from the deep South.
I e-mail them every couple of months or so, trying to bug them about distributing their beer 90 miles South to Georgia's second largest city, Columbus, which is a twin city with Phenix City AL. my city. They do claim that they are trying to expand, but are taking their time because they don't want the quality to be hindered. I appreciate that.
Another Atlanta micro, Atlanta Brewing Co. is distributing down here now. The Red Brick Ale is quite good, though to me, their offerings aren't quite up to Sweetwater's line.
I wouldn't mind a double version of the 420 IPA. It may come soon. Georgia lifted it's 6% law July 1 of last year. Now we can get the Belgian Abbey ales (and Duval and other stuff) that is a little more "potent." I am not going to sit here and lie and say I "never" drink just one or two beers. I occasionally get the "wild hair" and catch a buzz (especially on the Liberty Ale which belies it's 6% rating) but when those first high gravity beers were stocked here locally, I was walking 20 feet to get to the bathroom that is 10 feet away. Some of those Belgian brews pack a punch.
Our local brewpub (Cannon Brewery Columbus Ga.) makes a seasonal brew and right now is offering a double IPA. I had two before my dinner there (above average "pub" food as well) but had to go with the root beer with my dinner. Pretty good stuff it was, but powerful in the ABV.

Bryant

[chazwicke]

I have never had any of the GA Sweetwater beers. From the discussions on this board they must be of some merit. I am slightly irked that the GA Sweetwater sued our local Sweetwater Tavern brewpubs and forced them to stop using the name Sweetwater on their bottled beer. (Which was contract brewed by Old Dominion.) The local Sweetwater Taverns had been making their beer a long while. Possibly before the GA outfit but I'm not sure. Our Sweetwater Tavern's beer are decent but geared more towards the mass appeal. They do have some very good seasonals and specialty brews. The organization that owns them is a first rate local restaurant group that purveys very high quality food. They are mid - high end establishments and they do a phenominally good job with all the restaurants in their group. The food is well beyond normal brewpub offerings. A very class act. Not quite on the level of say a Morton's or Ruth Christ but just below them. I guess the GA outfit must have plans to expand because I can think of no other reason they would have sued the VA brewpubs over the name.

[fretlessman71]

Okay - just added two to the mix...

Old Slug Porter (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/748/2548/)

Hambleton Nightmare Extra Stout Porter (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/1503/4753/)

Anyone heard of these? They looked so interesting I couldn't turn them down.

[chazwicke]

I've had the Old Slug. The other I have not seen.

[chazwicke]

So what does your revised list look like now including your new purchases, the ones I'm sending and others that you have been promised or received? I might be looking forward to this as much as you.

[fretlessman71]

For the Nightmare, it says that "This is the bottled version of the classic. CHAMPION WINTER BEER OF BRITAIN 1997. A smooth, massively flavoured creamy drink, best served on the warm side allowing full appreciation of the roasted barley rearing out of this four malt brew." I need this guy for my agent - I'd get gigs out the yin-yang! :D

[fretlessman71]

There's too many "if"s and "when"s for me to be sure, but it looks like I'll also be getting an Anchor, MacTarnahans Blackwatch, Perseus Porter, and Three Threads as well. I'm really trying to get someone to send me a Bell's Porter and a Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald, but I'm not holding my breath.

[fretlessman71]

All in all this could turn out to be around 40 beers! :eek:

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
There's too many "if"s and "when"s for me to be sure, but it looks like I'll also be getting an Anchor, MacTarnahans Blackwatch, Perseus Porter, and Three Threads as well. I'm really trying to get someone to send me a Bell's Porter and a Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald, but I'm not holding my breath.

I've had the Great Lakes. They make excellent beers. I found an old business card that Andy Tveekeram (sp) had given me when he hosted a GL tasting at the Brick a long time ago. I know he is no longer with GL.

[chazwicke]

I am going to be selling a batch of brewers business cards on Ebay soon too. I actually brought them into the office so I could list the breweries represented. There are probably about 125 - 130 cards with about 75 breweries represented. Some of the others are beer related or duplicates.

[Stodbrew]

Originally posted by chazwicke
I am going to be selling a batch of brewers business cards on Ebay soon too. I actually brought them into the office so I could list the breweries represented. There are probably about 125 - 130 cards with about 75 breweries represented. Some of the others are beer related or duplicates.


Want some more? I have a bunch, but they're all the same. :D

[chazwicke]

There are lots of breweriana and micro brewery collectors out there. I'll be seeing tons of them tomorrow. Probably the favorite micro collectable is the coasters.

[fretlessman71]

Oh, boy... do *I* have some coasters for YOU..... :D

[chazwicke]

I've got thousands!! Literally. I've been collecting them for years. about 50 / 50 micro and foreign. Micro coasters are hot items at the trade shows.

[fretlessman71]

My mom brought a bunch back from her trip to Germany about 10 years ago, and they just turned up in the basement last year, so I got 'em. I'll see if I can once again lay hands on them. :)

[steveh]

Coasters are easy souvenirs. I may not have thousands, Chaz - but I have plenty. I even have some vintage ones from old Chicago breweries...but back on subject -

Found some Anchor Porter the other day and decided to grab it up. Still as good as I remember, but the sixer may have a little age on it - maybe not as smooth as it should be.

S.

[newportstorm]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Okay - just added two to the mix...

Hambleton Nightmare Extra Stout Porter (http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/1503/4753/)

Anyone heard of these? They looked so interesting I couldn't turn them down.

I just had my first taste of the Hambleton Nightmare a couple weeks back - great porter!!! Get some. A bit pricey around here - only place I've seen it is $6/bottle, but is worth it once in a while.

Cheers!

[chazwicke]

Originally posted by steveh
Coasters are easy souvenirs. I may not have thousands, Chaz - but I have plenty. I even have some vintage ones from old Chicago breweries...but back on subject -

Found some Anchor Porter the other day and decided to grab it up. Still as good as I remember, but the sixer may have a little age on it - maybe not as smooth as it should be.

S.

I looked for the Anchor Porter to send to Fret for his tasting. I saw none at three different paint stores.

I've got a bunch of old antique coasters / beer mats from closed breweries too. Sorting all of the European coasters will be a chore for me. I have albums full that I started 10-15 years ago. but I have several boxes full that are not sorted. probably the equivalent of half a refridgerator box or so of the Euro coasters. The American micros are mostly sorted and some are in albums.
If anyone has any micro coasters that they want to part with or trade let me know. I think Bruno also collects them. Is that correct Bruno? If so I'll send you some for sure.

[Stodbrew]

I've also got some coasters left from the defunct Stoddard's Brewhouse, if you, and Bruno, would like some of those. Let me know and I'd be happy to send some your way.

[wortchillergoal]

As seems normal, I am late getting in on what has been a very active thread. I still can add to this thread and be on topic.

I have had both the Anchor and SN porter. I enjoy the Anchor more. I can get Anchor if someone who can't would like to try.

[fretlessman71]

SN Porter will always hold that special place in my heart, and it's the only one I can taste without even having to open the bottle! That's why I'm having one at the beginning and at the end for control purposes. :)

[wortchillergoal]

While out doing some errands today, i stopped at Clark's Ale House. There I had the Smuttynose Porter. It was very good and tasted closer to the Anchor than the SN.

My friend, works there, pulled out and shared a Hobgoblin from Wychwood Brewery in England. It is a dark English ale. I would not call it a stand out beer but I did enjoy it. It seemed to me to be on the mild side and would be very drinkable after hockey.

[I'mRocketMan]

I liked the Hobgoblin also!!

[Katefan00]

I like the Hobgoblin quite a bit. Try the Fiddler's Elbow if you can get ahold of it, by the same brewery (Wychwood), I like it even better.

K.

[I'mRocketMan]

I've got a clone recipe for the Hobgoblin... I may have to brew it soon!!

[fretlessman71]

If you bottle one and send it to me, I'll include it... :D

[chazwicke]

Just Checking in from the Blue Gray. 55 kegs of micros plus some of the brewers have "private stash" kegs in their rooms. Some excellent beers ampled so far and collectors are in paradise.

[I'mRocketMan]

Blue gray??

[fretlessman71]

It's a breweriana convention chaz attends every year. He's posted on it recently - try a search.

[chazwicke]

Breweriana show. Beer and brewery collecters. One of the biggest shows in the States.

[I'mRocketMan]

COOL! See if you can find me a "Frio" Lager tap handle? Frio Brewing Co. was San Antonio's FIRST microbrewery and was started by a friend. Alas, he was forced into bankruptcy...

Cheers! Rocket

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by I'mRocketMan
Frio Brewing Co. was San Antonio's FIRST microbrewery and was started by a friend. I'll bet they used to be the coldest tasting beer in the world before Boors, right? ;)

[I'mRocketMan]

HA! ha! It was named after a river near SA...

[fretlessman71]

(Some of you won't get the above joke - frio means cold in spanish. Didn't want any of you to think I was slamming the brewery unneccesarily. :) )

[fretlessman71]

Hey - I'd like to post an attachment with my beer list; I think I've got just about everything I'm going to need (unless someone feels like parting with a newport storm porter and/or a Brooklyn porter!). Trouble is, I've got this whole list set up in microsoft word, and realbeer.com won't let me use "doc" as a file type. Any suggestions?

[BluesHarp]

save it as .txt ?? ...don't forget to edit that list in a day or two...;)

[fretlessman71]

Of course. I've been updating like crazy lately! :) And the two from you (three, maybe?) have been added in anticipation.

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by BluesHarp
save it as .txt ?? ...don't forget to edit that list in a day or two...;) I don't seem to be having any luck doing that... not sure what I'm doing wrong.

[fretlessman71]

OK - here's the order I've got so far, and I only expect to be adding 1 beer to the list, if at all. I'm using BeerAdvocate's style guidelines, and I've grouped them into American, English, Baltic, and other. The order is a combined score of BA and ratebeer.com, from lowest to highest, in each category. I'll have my favorite, SN Porter, at the beginning and at the end to see if I feel differently about it at that point. Here goes:

Wasatch Polygamy Porter
Boulder Planet Porter
Red Hook “Blackhook” Porter
Big Horn Total Disorder Porter
Butte Creek Organic Porter
Legend Porter
Samuel Adams Holiday Porter
Blackwatch Cream Porter
Yard’s Gen. Washington Tavern Porter
Ska Ten Pin Porter
Otter Creek Stovepipe Porter
Elysian Perseus Porter
Far West 3 Threads Porter
Flag Porter
Eel River Certified Organic Porter
Sierra Nevada Porter
St. George Porter
Rogue Mocha Porter
Avery New World Porter
Steelhead Scotch Porter
Bell’s Porter
Boulevard BULLY! Porter
Odell’s Cutthroat Porter
Deschutes Black Butte Porter
Anchor Porter
Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald Porter
Santa’s Butt Porter
St. Peter’s Porter
Left Hand Black Jack Porter
Bert Grant’s Perfect Porter
Samuel Smith Taddy Porter
Fuller’s London Porter
Utenos Alus Porter
Great Divide St. Brigid Porter
Baltika Porter (6)
Pivovar Pardubice Porter
D. Carnegie 2001 Stark Porter
Sinebrychoff Porter (Koff Porter)
Flying Dog Road Dog Porter
Stone Smoked Porter
Alaskan 2004 Smoked Porter

Maybe I'll have some Port wine flavored cheese and portabello mushrooms when I do this.... sheesh! It's a dirty job, but, well, you know. :)

[chazwicke]

Quite the list there. I'm glad it is you and not me. I have a couple of bottles of the Newport Storm but they were a gift from Newport and I intend on drinking those myself. I've only sampled 22 from your list. I think the Alaskan and Taddy will fair well. I like the Taddy best of all the Sam Smith beers.

[fretlessman71]

The Taddy Porter has the highest combined ranking of all the beers I have on the list, followed closely by the Koff, Great Lakes, Alaskan Smoked Porter, Anchor, Stone Smoked Porter, and D.Carnegie Stark Porter. You're in good company. :)

[chazwicke]

I have had Koff Stout. back in the early 80s. It was very good.

[sundontlie]

hey, i read the first few posts, and saw the last list you wrote (NICE)... you guys ever try stegmaier porter from P.A? i'd be more than willing to send you a bottle.. its pretty darn good, creamy and drinkable, and i've never seen it mentioned anywhere in the brew world, just let me know!

[fretlessman71]

This it? http://beeradvocate.com/beer/rate_results/150/1495/

Could be very good. You really want to send it to me?

[chazwicke]

I've had it before. Lion is an old brewery in Wilkes Barre area that is now brewing some of the defunct Stegmaier brands. I've visited both old breweries. Steg has been revitalized I think as an office building or apartments. Something like that. Cool Old building. The Old Steg Porter used to be like Yuengling. Wonder how it is now? I think Lion brews some other contract or reformulated brews.

[fretlessman71]

Looks like I get to add Sprecher's Generation Porter to the list! Holey Moley, this is going to be quite an undertaking... :)

[chazwicke]

When does the tasting begin?

[fretlessman71]

Prolly tonight.

[chazwicke]

Is prolly a real word?

[fretlessman71]

Prolly not... but who cares? I'm not going to correct myself....

[chazwicke]

Well you are the happy helper.

[fretlessman71]

See this thread (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5986&highlight=twain) for an update regarding the above post.....

[chazwicke]

I know, I know.

[steveh]

Originally posted by fretlessman71
Prolly tonight.

Well? Did you survive? I see no notes...

S.

[chazwicke]

Yeah, Where are they?!

[I'mRocketMan]

Porter people want to know... :D

[chazwicke]

Maybe he enjoyed them so much he had more than just 2 and is sleeping it off......:D

[steveh]

Think he mixed with a Whiskey Sour? :D

S.

[chazwicke]

LOL!

[I'mRocketMan]

Too Funny!!

[iambeer]

Just tried my first porter (fuller's London) awesome, new convert, wish I could be there with you.

[chazwicke]

Fullers is a good choice to start with.

[BluesHarp]

Fret's last shipment: Great Lakes, Bell's, and Sprecher left for CO today...he can't stall much longer! :D

[chazwicke]

Where is the lad. This is gonna be quite the undertaking. I'm psyched and I'm not even tasting.

[steveh]

He told me had some late working nights (a likely story ;)) and is a little behind on schedule - another late one last night and may not get started until tonight.

S.

[fretlessman71]

Sorry folks - I know you've been champing at the bit for this, but the last two nights I didn't last an hour by the time I got home. I'm going to try to get it going tonight - we'll see what I can do. Expect irregular reports; some nights there just isn't going to be enough time to do it. But I'll certainly do what I can.

I'll probably start a different thread for the tastings - be on the lookout for it!

[chazwicke]

Good Deal!

[fretlessman71]

Well, you asked for it - here it is! (http://www.realbeer.com/discussions/showthread.php?s=&threadid=6358) :D

[fretlessman71]

Originally posted by iambeer
Just tried my first porter (fuller's London) awesome, new convert, wish I could be there with you. Nothing like starting at the top! Fuller's has the highest combined rating on my list at 8.39/10. I hope all the others aren't a disappointment to you!