Dogwood Youngbloods Imperial Porter

Thanks to goldtwins for the chance to sample this gem. Pours thick and pitch black with a thin but very dark brown head. Deep dark toasty aroma, chocolate and slightly salty licorice notes. Cold coffee, dark bitter chocolate. Roasty and toasty with heavily darkened malts over some cherry and berry character. As it begins to warm, the chocolate heads toward a richer, more milk chocolate sort of aroma. Light rum along with some earthy/leathery aroma. Flavour is unbelievably smooth, rich milk chocolate, licorice with a soft woodiness and sweet dark cherry flavour in back. No roasty flavour, just sweet chocolate, coffee, light smoke and toasted rye bread. Finish is herbal and chocolatey with some appley character that comes out as the temperature keeps rising. One of the most delicious brews I’ve had the pleasure of tasting.

Thanks to MRomero548 for this brew. It pours an incredible black color wtih a finger of tan head that falls to a slight coating over the beer. The aroma is incredible, with a big chocolate blast, followed by powerful fig, and a slight coffee playing in the background. Damn nice. The flavor is more chocolate on the start, moving to a very nice sweet coffee and cream on the finish. Only a slight bitter comes through with the finish. Between the chocolate and coffee, there is just a hint of the fig. This beer is divine. The palate is nice and thick, almost syrupy. OVerall, this is an excellent beer. And to think, I got this for letting a fellow use my phone. That encounter led me to signing up for Ratebeer. Thanks again for this brew MRomero548. I’ll be buying your first beer when you are back in the area.

22oz bottle. Perhaps one year old. Black oily pour with a thick dark brown heavy head. Very interesting aroma. Actually its absolutely delicious. I could sit here and sniff this beer all night. Chocolate and roast blended to perfection. Palate is smooth and clean. It continues to get better sip after sip. My ONLY complaint is that the body isn’t quite thick enough. But I am not sure how fair that is. It is supposed to be a porter, not a stout. It really breaks my heart that this brewery is closed and this beer may never be brewed again.

RERATE: 22oz bottle. November 06. Little over 2 years old. Black oily pour with no head unless vigorously poured in which case I get a very thin dark tan film. The aroma is very rich dark chocolate and bitter roast. The flavor is still very well blended with no one character dominating except maybe the dark chocolate. Body seems less thick than I remember but that could be the age. Still a fantastic beer. 9/4/9/4/19

RERATE: 22oz bottle. Almost 3 years old. The pour is a beautiful thing. So attractive. Dark tan mocha head. Aroma is still an enticing mix of chocolate, vanilla, and just a touch of roast. I can’t wait to taste, it’s been 8 months since my last taste. The upfront flavor is chocolate, smooth and rich, but the vanilla appears as it rolls over the tongue. Finally the cleansing bitterness of the roast kicks in on the back of the tongue and in the finish. This beer is truly elegant. The body is about the same as around 2 years old. A little thinner than fresh, but still substantial and a little chewy. Every time I drink this beer it’s an absolute pleasure. A true masterpiece. 9/4/9/4/19

Dark black with a small dark brown head. Rich aroma of roast and dark chocolate. Flavor of dark chocolate and roasted malt. Long coffee finish. Thanks Dogbrick.

Much thanks to goldtwins and skaughty for bottles of this. I can say that this is hands-down the best Porter I have had, I liked it even more than the preeminent Fuller’s. Pours a rich dark brown color with a thin chocolate-brown head. Thin lacing. Intensely roasty aroma, with chocolate, alcohol (like Bailey’s) and a touch of tart fruit. The body is borderline Stout, with a great mix of coffee, chocolate, malt and cocoa flavors. The finish is satisfying and lightly bitter with coffee and a nip of hops. An outstanding beer that will be missed.