Its been a months since I've done a beer post. For this #Beersaturday ill be reviewing a smoked porter and a special pale ale. Let's get right into to it.
Brewery: Highlander Brewing Co
Origin: South River ON Canada
Style: Porter
Abv: 6.6%
IBU: Unknown
SRM: Unknown
Marketing: The can has a red plaid color scheme with a banner of Scottish Lions imagery. It doesn't say anything about the beer or brewery being inspired by Scotland but it definitely looks that way based on its design. There isn't much information about the beer on can at all actually, which is a little disappointing.
Not even the location of the brewery is listed, which is a little odd. I had to look that up online. Overall its an okay design but I would like more info listed.
Color: The beer poured a chestnut brown color with a flimsy tan head of foam on top that dissipated quickly. A thin ring of bubbles stuck around though which was nice to see.
The liquid was somewhat clear and let the light pass through around its edges.
Nose: It had a subtle bouquet with a light malty aroma and subtle roasted notes. I got some yeasty bread dough coming through as well. I noticed a little smokiness way in the back ground, just barely noticeable for me. For a smoked porter it wasn't overly smokey - not a bad thing in my opinion. A little bit of smoke goes a long way for me. Too much is unsettling.
Taste: The beer was noticably bitter with a sharp, long lasting finish. There was some sweetness in the forefront but it was quickly pushed aside by its bitter cousin. I got some some roasted flavors and some coffee in the background but they were both very subtle also. I didn't get any alcohol flavors coming through despite its higher ABV. I see that as a good thing myself.
Texture: Lightly carbonated with an almost fizzy quality to it. It also had a weighty full bodied mouthfeel.
Impression: This was an okay beer. I didn't love it overall. The flavors and aroma were very subtle and the bitterness was a little overpowering. It wasn't unpleasant by any means but I've had a lot better Porters that I would seek out before revisiting this one. The 6.5% ABV was unique. You don't find too many higher ABV beers here in Canada so that was nice.
Brewery: Wellington Brewing Co
Origin: Guelph ON Canada
Style: English style ale
Abv: 4.5%
IBU: Unknown
SRM: Unknown
Marketing: the can was a simple metalic, yellow brass colored with white accents and black lettering. The Wellington boot brand logo is displayed prominantly in the center and is the only image, which is very true to the brewery's marketing style.
Three beer awards are displayed at the bottom, which is another signature of the brewery. Its a fine can, a little boring but with an elegance to it. Its 100% recognizable as a Wellington brewery beer so in that regard, its great marketing.
Color: The beer poured a burnt orange color with a frothy billowy head of white foam on top. It definitely looked apetizing. The liquid was quite clear with only a slight amount of haze to it.
Nose: it had a hoppy aroma with citrus and spice. I got some grassy notes coming through as well.
Taste: Mildly sweet, tangy and bitter in equal measure. Citrussy and spicy flavors just like the aroma. Nothing too distinct stood out for me flavor wise but definitely a good tasting beer. The spiciness did remind me of an English ale.
Texture: Nicely carbonated with a light bodied mouthfeel.
Impression: It was a good beer. It was nice and flavorful. It was fresh and crisp tasting. It was a bit hoppy for an English ale but the spiciness was reminiscent of the style in my opinion. Or maybe that's what makes it an SPA? I dont know. There are too many different styles of beer nowadays to keep track. This was good though. Thats all that matters in the end.
