Shawneecraft-Bourbon Entire Porter

Type: Draft

Place: The Mint in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

6.5& ABV

30 IBU

B+

Shawneecraft’s porter proves to be an extremely smooth and clean porter for a good price. The draft pours a beautiful cloudy dark brown (almost opaque), with a small head. It smells of roasted malt, coffee, and smoked wood.  On tasting, the malt is really light for a porter of this strength, and there’s wonderful touches of bourbon.  Inside the bourbon are notes of smoked oak and a hint of coffee.    However, my main complaint about this porter, is that all of these tastes fade too quickly.  The lack of lasting aromas makes this beer very drinkable, but also lowers the strength and complexity of the brew.  For price, it’s even with other porters of it’s caliber, so I’d give it a B.

In Conclusion:  A great porter, but lacks the lasting complexity of the best.  However, this is a fantastic beer for bourbon drinkers (like me), who also enjoys porters and stouts.

Food Pairing: Rich and creamy foods. Duck, or roast pork, and sweet cheeses.

On an additional note, the Mint in Bethlehem, PA is a great place to go for dinner or drinks.  They have a huge selection of craft beer (draft and bottled) and also offer inspired gastropub dishes at good prices. I thoroughly recommend stopping by if you’re in the area, and if you see Chef Mimmo, talk to him about the food and beer.  He’s very friendly and knows as much as anybody about food/beer pairings.

“The roots and herbes beaten and put into new ale or beer and daily drunk, cleareth, strengtheneth and quickeneth the sight of the eyes.”

-Nicholas Culpeper