Flossmoor Station Killer Kowalski Baltic Porter

Growler from Flossmoor. Pour was into a Ubiquitous Red Cup (tm HCwDB), so didn’t get to fully enjoy the dark mahogany color or the sturdy cream-colored head as I did at the brewpub last week. Coffee and dark chocolate aromas. Flavor follows the nose, and adds substantial molasses sweetness and a faint alcohol burn in the finish. Last week’s draft had much more roasty character than was found in the growler, but that was likely a serving temperature issue. As much as I love this complex, hearty beer, it probably wasn’t the ideal brew for a hot July 4th weekend.

Black with a beige head that has no lacing and very little retention. Smell is of coffee, burnt grain, dark fruits and some booze. Taste was roasty, with some toffee, alcohol, and bitter chocolate. An interesting beer, but not my favorite Baltic Porter. A little less than medium carbonation and medium bodied. I’d love to drink this guy again next time I’m near Flossmoor.

On tap at Flossmoor Station and served in a shaker. This beer poured a deep, dark brown with a thin head of tan foam that quickly settled into a lasting ring. A small amount of lace coated the inside of the glass. The aroma of the beer was made up of mild bittersweet chocolate, dark fruits, and a touch of earthy yeast esthers. The flavor included a smooth roasted note, dark fruits, chocolate, and a hint of alcohol warmth at the finish. The mouthfeel was full-bodied with mild carbonation. A nicely crafted Baltic porter.

Draft. Deep brown/garnet with a tight tan head. Aroma is black licorice sweet with some dark roasted malts. Light/medium body. Flavors are dry black licorice and bitter blackened malts with a light pit fruit sweetness to finish. Not too bad