Beer of the Weekend #542: Southampton Imperial Porter
The beer of the weekend is Southampton Imperial Porter, brewed by the Southampton Publick House of Southampton, New York.
Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. No freshness date.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The color is non-opaque black; light passes through when held to a lamp, giving the beer a ruby red tint. A finger of dense, buttery, tight head settled slowly, leaving a little lacing stuck to the side, spots of foam, a skim, and a thick ring around the edge.
Smell: Lots of toffee, caramel, and a light scent of toasted malts, which is interesting. The beer is supposed to be a historical recreation so I will roll with it. Scents of roasted malts and chocolate are almost nonexistent. A teasing hint of black licorice comes and goes, and there is also a hint of molasses.
Taste: Velvety smooth. Much like in the aroma, caramel and toffee predominate. The toasted malts, however, are much more prominent and there is a noticeable presence of roasted malts with a pleasing roasted bitterness in the aftertaste. Hanging out in the background are dark fruit (which seems reminiscent of cherry-flavored cough syrup), black licorice, molasses, and robust maple syrup. The alcohol is completely masked.
Drinkability: Smooth and tasty. The label calls it “a robust black ale” and I think that description fits it perfectly.
Fun facts about SIP:
-Style: The neck label says it is “inspired by the Baltic Porters of centuries past,” but the beer is classified on BA as “American Porter.”
-Price: $10.99/sixer at John’s Grocery in Iowa City. Looking at the receipt, I just realized I was also charged $2.99 for “DORITOS SPICY CHILI.” Yeah, I didn’t buy that.
-Alcohol content: 7.2 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: According to the Publick House website, Imperial Porter pairs well with “Smoked foods, earthy cheeses, desserts or by itself.”
-Description via the brewery’s website:
The Quiet Man’s grade: B+.
Serving type: 12-ounce bottle. No freshness date.
Appearance: Poured into a tulip. The color is non-opaque black; light passes through when held to a lamp, giving the beer a ruby red tint. A finger of dense, buttery, tight head settled slowly, leaving a little lacing stuck to the side, spots of foam, a skim, and a thick ring around the edge.
Smell: Lots of toffee, caramel, and a light scent of toasted malts, which is interesting. The beer is supposed to be a historical recreation so I will roll with it. Scents of roasted malts and chocolate are almost nonexistent. A teasing hint of black licorice comes and goes, and there is also a hint of molasses.
Taste: Velvety smooth. Much like in the aroma, caramel and toffee predominate. The toasted malts, however, are much more prominent and there is a noticeable presence of roasted malts with a pleasing roasted bitterness in the aftertaste. Hanging out in the background are dark fruit (which seems reminiscent of cherry-flavored cough syrup), black licorice, molasses, and robust maple syrup. The alcohol is completely masked.
Drinkability: Smooth and tasty. The label calls it “a robust black ale” and I think that description fits it perfectly.
Fun facts about SIP:
-Style: The neck label says it is “inspired by the Baltic Porters of centuries past,” but the beer is classified on BA as “American Porter.”
-Price: $10.99/sixer at John’s Grocery in Iowa City. Looking at the receipt, I just realized I was also charged $2.99 for “DORITOS SPICY CHILI.” Yeah, I didn’t buy that.
-Alcohol content: 7.2 percent ABV.
-Food pairings: According to the Publick House website, Imperial Porter pairs well with “Smoked foods, earthy cheeses, desserts or by itself.”
-Description via the brewery’s website:
This is Southampton Publick House's authentic interpretation of what an Imperial Porter would have tasted like back in the 18th century. Southampton Imperial Porter uses a unique blend of seven malts to give it a deep brown, almost black color and a smooth, full-bodied flavor that bursts alive with a pleasing, warming effect and notes of chocolate, toffee and caramel in every sip. Southampton Imperial Porter is perfect with smoked foods, earthy cheeses, desserts or simply by itself.
The Quiet Man’s grade: B+.
