Anchor - Porter

Tonights review comes to us from the West coast.  Yes, another brew from those crazy brewers out West.  What do they know about beer, huh?!?  Well apparently a lot.  A majority of American craft breweries, especially those that focus on the hoppier side of brewing, have made a name for themselves on the West coast. Rogue, Stone, Deschutes, and tonights brewery, Anchor, all hail from one of those large states out west.

Anchor made a name for itself from its flagship brew, Anchor Steam.  It uses a unique hop called Northern Brewer as its primary hop addition.  This hop is known for its woody, rustic and slightly minty flavor and aroma. The California Common style of beer is directly based off of Anchor Steam which has paved the way for other craft breweries to explore the use of unique hops and ingredients with great success, and, at times, great failure.  The beer I'm enjoying tonight is another of Anchors famous line up, Anchor Porter.

Classified as a Robust Porter, this brew is a clear, dark ruby when held up to the light.  A thin layer of foam settles on the surface and sticks around throughout each drink.  My first impression is a strong dark fruit mixed with a subtle roast and hardly any hops.  This porter is packed full of flavor.  Bittersweet chocolate, subtle dark fruits, sweet roast and a slight hint of vanilla bring this expansive flavor profile together.  Subtle carbonation and a smooth, sweet but not cloying finish make this a very drinkable porter.

Overall 5.0/6.0 - I keep coming back to this porter as one that I can enjoy at any time.  Its big and flavorful enough that it will warm you during a cold winter night.  Yet also not too heavy that its enjoyability goes down on a cool summer evening.  If you can find it and you are a fan of delicious porters, pick up a sixer of Anchor Porter.  You wont be disappointed!