Freigeist Deutscher Porter Saphir Edition - Gasthaus-Brauerei Braustelle

crnipeter

Slovenia

3.85/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The Freigest Deutscher Porter is an attempt to recreate a defunct way of East German porter-brewing (based on old British tradition of adding salt to their beers) and to resurrect it into new life. Freshness date March 2012, into tulip.The pour gives birth to a dark, rusty brown body leaning towards opacity, overlain by mid-sized light tan head that slowly recedes. The nose is initially dominated by huge IPA-ish citrusy and spicy aroma which can only be attributed to usage of Saphir hops advertised on the label (a new breed of hops developed to replace the disease-prone Hallertauer Mittlefrueh variety). Further sniffing reveals pruney esters and leathery, vinous and caramel-sweet undertones. Full, mouth-filling malty body with moderate yet very fine, delicate carbonation and slick oily mouthfeel. The taste lacking any undesired harsh, acrid or burnt flavors (nor it has any noticeable chocolate or coffee flavor from the roasted malts) is somewhat vinous with fruity tartness of prune, raisin, cherry and currant. Although the taste is well mellowed there is a certain saline, sharp edge to it introduced by the addition of salt. The finish is somewhat spicy owing to hops. This is a curious brew made in a the manner of ancient masters that defies to be classed into any of the extant categories. A dangerous brew that possesses a triple threat: not only it affects my liver, it is also associated with hypertension and potential kidney-failure but I prefer to live 85 with rather than 90 without it.

In short: a hoppy, fruity, vinous German porter with a grain of salt.

Serving type: bottle

03-17-2011 00:19:56 | More by crnipeter