Left Hand Brewing - Black Jack Porter

Tonight I will be reviewing Black Jack Porter from Left Hand Brewing in Longmont, Colorado.  Not too long ago, I tried out their Fade to Black Smoked Porter, which was a great brew.  That was part of the seasonal line-up...this Black Jack Porter is a perennial English Style Porter that sports 6.8% alcohol and 35 IBUs. 

This brew was bottled on 1/31/1.  The label depicts a squid on the front, staring me square in the eyeballs - creepy, but cool design.  The color is black with some cherry hues and a foamy tan head the leaves thick chunks of lace.  The aroma is roasty roasty roasty, cocoa with sweet dark plums and raisins hanging in there.

The taste starts off smooth and rich, with chocolate roasted malts taking front and center.  Then it moves on to an interesting level of bitterness - dark fruit mixed with ground coffee.  Also subtle hints of black licorice, which I loathe in Twizzler form by itself, but don't mind in the flavor profile of a brew.  Vanilla becomes apparent towards the finish along with a touch of hop bitterness.  The finish is dry and a bit gritty.  The body is medium with a nice

Overall Rating:  This was a nicely balanced porter - roasted malt coated with coffee and cocoa, and a nice bitterness behind it that keeps things interesting.  Worth a try, especially if you're a fan of the style.  B