Neustadt Springs Big Dog Beaujolais Porter

Deep dark porter with a thin moka head. Lactic porter with notes of olive brine. In mouth, a good bitter chocolate malt, with light vinous notes, not exactly what I expected but still good. Medium bodied. Tap at the Black Tomato, May 2007.

March 2008 Release: Darker, Maltier, with noticeably enhanced wine presence in the nose and flavor. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 2006 edition: Many changes in this year’s release... Dark cola ( lighter than last year) with a great whacking tan cap that lasts and laces the glass up (malt protiens have been increased) Aroma...less astrigent than last year...deep cocoa tones over fresh baked bread and some piney notes from hopping. Solid malt spine, richer creamy mouth feel, solid body roasty-cocoa-hoppy character in fine balance. Up front a big chew on (it seems) German dark malts like rich liquid toasted rye bread...then nice balance from the hybrid hopping mingles with subtle fruit under tones the cocoa/coffe tastes...finishes mildly crisp, and lightly bitter with a bready after taste. If I had to characterize the change this year I would say it is "drinkability" and an increased body...a very nice porter in the London style but malty...I’ll be buying enough to last out the winter. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2005 release ( rated 3.4)... Chatted with the brewer over a couple of these and took a 6 home. He informed me that there is a detectable quality of Beaujolais wine in this brew In my estimation the flavors mate and compliment. Poured a dark mahogany that shows ruby highlights....wonderful close-pored 2 finger tan cap that lasts and laces the glass. Light carbonation. Aromas are delicate but you get a nice potpourri of coffee-cocoa scents mingling with tart berry juice and some grassy hopping. Mouthfeel is substantive... oily, slick. Up front you get the chewy roast malt and all the coffee-cocoa tastes then midway you start to detect berries ( currents) and the resinous hops. The finish is long and wet where the vinous qualities come forward...tart grape skins mingle with metallic hop bittering and the alcohol. A very nice flavorvored porter in the old London pub style with a slight twist...nice effort by this brewer

On tap at The King Edward in Ilderton, ON.- Pours deep cola brown with just a touch of light seeping through. Beautiful mocha head sits and lasts. Aroma of sherry, dried fig, vanilla, cola, some cherry, wood and a touch of smoke. Pronounced vanilla and dark chocolate flavours, with touches of dried fruit and smokey vanilla coffee beans. Marked bitterness in the finish. Medium body. Well done overall.

[991-20071217] Tap @ C’est What (Toronto, ON). Candied root beer gummies aroma has a hint of cherry. Dark dark red brown body with a long-lasting foamy light tan head. Wine barrel dark malt flavour. Full body is not heavy and has a bitter dry finish. Wine characteristics are amplified.

Bu le 12/1/08, au Black Tomato à Ottawa en fut (20 oz). Brune cola foncée, peu de collet. Arome de malte bien roti, sensation de chocolat foncé avec une touche de caramel anglaise. Goût de malte choco café légèrement roti, avec des notes de fruits mûres.