Smoked Porter - Stone Brewing Co.

Oakenator

Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sweet pour - dark brown yet opaque with a solid cream colored head that persists throughout consumption. Mouthfeeel is good but not remarkable (maybe a good thing). Smell is no surprise with dark, rich malts and a pleasant smoked aroma. Taste is consistent with the smell and has a presence of chocolate not immediately obvious via the smell. Nice brew for a cool night.

Serving type: bottle

12-08-2012 00:42:29 | More by Oakenator

JohnnyJam

Arizona

3.78/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22 oz brown bottle with a best by date on it into a pint glass and got 2 1/2 fingers of head.

A: Pours dark brown almost black and opaque. There is 2 1/2 fingers of head that leaves more than a covering over the top of the glass until the end. There is nice, sticky lacing with every sip.

S: Not as much aroma as I expected. Definitely no "smoke" smell is noticable. I smell coffee, burnt grains and a slight dark chocolate smell.

T: There you go: dark black coffee and burnt grains big time. It ends with a bitterness and a taste of soy sauce.

M: This is a lot thinner than I expected. Light cabonation and easy to drink, though.

O: I might like this with a bbq. I find the soy souce finish too much and overpowering.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 22:50:43 | More by JohnnyJam

rundocrun

Iowa

3.88/5  rDev -4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Body is very dark brown, but I am able to see through it when held to the light. A 1/2 finger of off-white foam forms, but fades to a ring around the glass quite quickly. Bubbles float lazily to the top, making this look like a more viscous beer.

S - Smoke is not really a major player in the nose. There are toasted malt and chocolate notes as well as a touch of sharper burnt grains--possibly the smoke coming through.

T - Mildly sweet and sharp dark toasted malts up front. I get a sense of the richer chocolate and caramel malt body as well as the smokiness through the middle. Finish has a sharp bitterness from the hops/roasted grain.

M - Medium body with good carbonation. Finish is quite clean and leaves only a residual bitterness, but no sticky sugars.

Serving type: bottle

11-28-2012 02:27:40 | More by rundocrun

UnkleFester

Kansas

3.73/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz bottle poured into a tulip glass

A: A very dark brown color with two fingers worth of a mocha head from a vigorous pour that fades.
There is a rather nice lacing on it.

S: Brown sugar, chocolate and some coffee. I didn't detect any smokey aroma.

T: Dark chocolate and coffee right up front that transitions into a smokey note that does not linger for too long. A very well balanced malt profile on this one.

M: Body is on toward the heavier side with a low to moderate amount of carbonation.

O: I wasn't sure what to expect going into this one but the smoked flavor was not overdone and gave it a nice balance.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2012 02:04:58 | More by UnkleFester

Steezballs

3.8/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a pint into an over-sized wine glass.

A: Dark brown, sticky. Thin viscosity. Frothy-whitish foam, but not much of it.

S: Pretty mild smelling; hints of malt, molasses, chocolate, soy sauce.

T: Lingers in your mouth similar to a burnt sugar flavor. This would go well with Korean BBQ. The smoke isn't overwhelming and adds to the complex, unusually dry flavor profile. This porter goes from sweet to bitter the longer it stays in your mouth.

M: Not much head. Light carbonation.

O:This is a solid porter with complex flavor. A really solid brew from Stone. Can't go wrong with it.

Serving type: bottle

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2012 06:08:58 | More by Steezballs

arfenhouse

California

3.75/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.75

A: Black colored with little light passing though sides. One finger of off-white foam. Good sticky lacing throughout entire glass.

S: Both glasses glasses smelled primarily of brown sugar, dark chocolate, and soy sauce.

T: Aftertaste has similar taste to the burnt part of beef with barbeque sauce, sweet yet bitter. Semi-sweet malt taste that leads into a bitter smokey taste that doesn't linger. The warmer glass tasted much better in my opinion and had some extra spiciness.

M: A bit on the dry side with medium-light carbonation. On the thin side.

O:Solid porter with diverse flavor profile. One of my go-to beers.. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

10-31-2012 00:18:23 | More by arfenhouse

Hopheadjnr

4.05/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle poured into mug.

A...very dark brown with absolutely no light coming through when held up to it. Thin head with nice retention and good lacing.

s...faint smell of cocoa and maybe some dark roasted coffee beans.

T...nice dark chocalate with some bitter cocoa mixed into a nice sweet malt. A very flavorful balance with a clean finish. Very little aftertaste.

M...low carbonation, thick and creamy.

O...very pleasurable beer. I intended to smoke a cigar with this brew but that didn't happen. I liked the beer alot however and will definitely buy again. I think this will pair great with a really good maduro.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2012 05:41:50 | More by Hopheadjnr

gcamparone

Rhode Island

4.25/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22 ounce bomber into a Samuel Adams pint glass. Purchased at Wakefield Liquors in Wakefield, RI.

A- Pours a very dark brown body with a somewhat thin, light mocha head that reduces to a thin white film.

S- I'm really straining to smell something here. I'm not sure if it's my nose today as this is the first beer I'm reviewing, but I'm getting very faint coffee, toasted malt notes with some dark fruit undertones.

T- There we go. Upfront, a rich smoked wood flavor that is reminiscent of smoked barbecue (in the best way possible). I also get dark chocolate and black coffee notes. Finishes with a bitter, smokey, toasted malt flavor. Delicious and balanced taste.

M- Thick oily body, low carbonation. Creamy.

Overall this was a very enjoyable brew. The smokiness was not overdone, just enough to enjoy it. Complex and balanced. The only thing missing was a side of hickory smoked ribs. Find this and try it.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2012 20:41:03 | More by gcamparone

DeutscheJeff

Colorado

4.55/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

My first foray into the big Stone family of Porter's. Needless to say, I was not left disappointed as this beer packed all of the punch and flavor I've become accustomed to with Stone beers. This beer is jet black, offering no discernible light through, and has a thin tan head that lasts until the very last drop. A sweet feel on the tongue is followed by a strong smokey flavor that delivers an uncompromising finish on what the name implies. Would I buy this again? Absolutely. Do I regret missing out on their chipotle porter? Absolutely.

Serving type: bottle

10-21-2012 06:58:28 | More by DeutscheJeff

ElSid

California

3.79/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

The Beers of California

#16

Freshness Date: None

A: Black with no light penetrance when held up. Ample khaki head with great retention.

S: Cocoa and sugary sweetness with a slight burnt edge to the nose.

T: Smooth mocha goodness with a slight smoky, burnt finish. Leafy bitterness in the middle.

M: Milky smooth with some interesting chewiness. Minimal to moderate carbonation.

O: Overall a subdued, round palate with no particular strengths or weaknesses. I loved the subtleties of this brew but expected more intensity and strength of flavors especially from a Stone brew.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2012 03:16:41 | More by ElSid

TheQuietMan22

Iowa

3.9/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Serving type: 22-ounce bomber. The “ENJOY BY” date is “01.19.13.”

Appearance: Straight pour into a Smoked Porter pint glass. The color is, as the label suggests, dark mahogany. Two fingers of thick, tan head dissipated slowly and unevenly, leaving trails of foam along the sides.

Smell: The smokiness is present but muted. It is hanging around in the background behind dark chocolate, roasted malts, espresso, caramel, and vanilla that is reminiscent of cream soda. As the beer warms, the smokiness does become a little more prominent.

Taste: The smokiness makes its mark on the flavor, though I get the sense it is more like a barrel-aged quality. However, it does have that campfire or wood-burning stove quality. It complements flavors of roasted malts, chocolate, and a hint of espresso. The smokiness and roasted malts offer a nice bitterness that coats the mouth after each sip.

Drinkability: It is pretty solid stuff. It does not necessarily blow me away, and I was expecting something better, but it is very good nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2012 01:44:34 | More by TheQuietMan22

BrownNut

Florida

3.88/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle to tulip. Served cool. Drank half with a roast chicken and roast vegetables and half by itself. Went fine with the food.

A - 4.5 - Dark chocolate brown. Beautiful textured cream head.

S - 3.5 - Surprisingly I don't get much smoke. Just a bit. As others have said, a bit of an earthy note and some coffee grounds.

T - 4.0 - Sort of mild up front, but a char character comes through a little while after swallowing. The aftertaste is where it's most prevalent. The slightest hint of baker's chocolate bleeding into the char. Boozy exhale.

M - 3.5 - Medium-light bodied. I'd like a bit more but then I guess I want it to be an imperial stout, which isn't exactly fair.

O - 4.0 - I guess I was expecting more smoke, maybe something closer to rauchbier levels. But the imperial stouts I've been drinking have about the same char character. I find myself wishing this would just bring the rest of it and go ahead and be bolder and be an imperial stout already. With that said, it's still very well done. And I like the charry aftertaste. If I forget about what it's advertised as and what I wish it would be, it comes out as a really well done beer.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2012 00:54:14 | More by BrownNut

Clowerweb

Ohio

4.45/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Served from a 22 oz. bottle into a pint glass.

Appearance: Very dark brown, nearly black with accents of crimson hue. Looks fantastic. Three fingers of darkish tan head, 67% small tight bubbles and 33% medium to large. Head is thick and foamy, but dissipated to one finger rather quickly, within about 45 seconds which is a bit disappointing. Less than a pinky finger within 60 seconds of the pour without any sips, so retention is above average but not great (-0.5). A lot of sticky lace left on the glass after head dissipation, almost opaquing the top of the glass, which is very nice. 4.5/5

Aroma: A bit light on the nose (-0.5). Aroma is very dark malty and earthy. Has a sweet, almost nutty smell. Not picking up a lot of the "smoked" aspect on the nose, but possibly a hint. Smells like a great porter, a little more aromatic would be nice, but very pleasant nonetheless. 4.5/5

Taste: Tastes higher ABV than what it actually is up front (-0.5). The first part of the tongue hit me with alcohol which faded quickly, immediately followed by rich oaty roasted malts, semisweet with a nice touch of bitter hops and coffee. Dry on the finish with a sweet creamy roasted toffee or caramel coffee aftertaste. Great flavor, 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, feels a little lighter than it appears (-0.5). Carbonation is almost just right for my tastes, moderate, a little light but not too overly light. Could use a little more there but not much. Leaves a tingle on the gums but feels a bit flat on the tongue (-0.5). Goes down very smooth and creamy. 4/5

Overall: Excellent porter. Among some of the best I've had, definitely a strong competitor in this category. Stone got pretty much everything right with this one, with almost nothing to complain about. A beer I could happily enjoy every night if I could. Solid 4.5/5

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 09:07:20 | More by Clowerweb

GMB

Japan

4.68/5  rDev +15.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

September 25, 2012.

Rauchbier (lit., "smoke-beer") is a style that has yet to enjoy widespread popularity among craft beer drinkers in the United States, whence yours truly writes this review. In some ways, this is not surprising he American craft beer industry and its consumer base favor hop-driven styles such as India Pale Ale. But in other ways the scarcity of smoked porters on the American beer market is surprising, for if the stylistic innovations of American breweries is any indication of the American drinking public's palate, American craft beer drinkers have grown increasingly interested in more complex and aggressive flavor profiles. Consider this along with Americans' love of barbecue and other kinds of grill-roasted meats (e.g., the hamburger), and it becomes difficult to imagine why smoked beers have yet to emerge as a popular genre in the world of craft and artisan beers.

When held against light, a deep redness shines through the dense black body of Stone Smoked Porter. A moderate pour produces a tall, cappuccino head.

The smokey aspect of this beer influences but does not overwhelm the nose. Two or three deep inhalations pick up on the expected aromas of smoked and roasted, almost charred grains. There must be something else there, but I cannot tell what it is...

The taste of this beer develops and changes as it warms and as the palate grows accustomed to it. At first, a nice mix of sweet, rich charred grains and light smoke are at the fore. The flavor of smoke lingers just enough at the back of the tongue to allow the roasted malts to come through. As the beer warms, the bitterness of the hops and alcohol, at first barely detectable, begins to assert itself, producing hints of similarly bitter flavors. Licorice and dark chocolate stand out among them.

The key to a successful smoked beer is balance. Too much smokey flavor and one is left feeling as if one were standing too close to a fire pit. Too little and one begins to suspect that one is confusing smokey characteristics with roasted malts. Stone has managed to produced a fine balance of the two.

The beer's mouthfeel is nearly perfect at first: Delicate carbonation produces a thick, creamy foam that enhances the rich roasted characteristics of the smoked malt. But the carbonation fails to survive subsequent drafts and swirls, and the last few sips fall flat.

I cannot say how Stone Smoked Porter compares with the rauchbier of Bamberg, but I can say that it strikes me as a mature, well-designed, balanced rendition of this yet under-appreciated genre. This beer is likely to please porter drinkers and barbecue aficionados alike.

Note: This beer pairs very well with dark chocolate and roasted almonds. Allow a piece of dark chocolate to coat your palate before sipping; the interplay between the chocolate and the beer's smokey malt won't disappoint.

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2012 02:18:51 | More by GMB

fourthaxis

California

3.83/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This guy is my fill in, my backup, my plan B. Maybe living near Escondido helps, but I can find this inexpensive porter everywhere. I'm surprised it's not mailed to people homes in little sample packs. It's $4 for a great flavor and a good porter from a good brewer - I'm in!

Serving type: bottle

09-12-2012 04:49:43 | More by fourthaxis

russwbeck

Virginia

4.43/5  rDev +9.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: This is an outstanding looking smoked porter. Very glad I got a picture of the pour. Three or four fingers of light brown head with huge bubbles inside, sitting atop a black pour. The retention is decent, but the lacing is outstanding, coating the sides of my Stone IRS goblet.

S: The smoke is noted on the aroma, but it isn't the major factor. Caramel and roasted malts, molasses, chocolate, and slight char. Pretty nicely balanced, but nothing is overly impressive. More on the porter side of things (I guess that's why they list it as an American Porter instead of a Smoked one), and isn't as crazy smelling as others that closely resemble bacon.

T: The balance of the taste, however, is something to write home about. It resembles the aroma, but takes it to the next level. The taste is built on a base of chocolate, caramel malts, molasses, and dark fruits that let the roast--from both coffee and malts--shine through. Sweet, complex, and smokey, this porter is one to be taken seriously.

MF: The body is lighter than most porters, with an average carbonation. The beer is silky smooth, and is top notch in terms of drinkability.

O: Stone Smoked Porter is cheap, readily available, offered year 'round, and is delicious. If you're like me and skipped picking this up every time you go on a beer run...bring that streak to an end, you'd be doing yourself a favor.

Serving type: bottle

09-10-2012 00:14:38 | More by russwbeck

BeerDocT

Georgia

3.55/5  rDev -12.1%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

Served in a chilled tulip glass.

-Appearance 3.0: Pours out a nice, jet-black color so indicative of porters and stouts. Creamy and small head. Somewhat translucent and not thick, inky black.

-Smell 3.5: Smells very much like a porter, but has a subdued bouquet. Strange, for a "smoked" beer, I do not smell much smokiness.

-Taste 4.0: Front is slightly sour which leads to the middle which is very nice: toasted grains, but the grains in question still maintain a certain "grassiness" that is indicative of lighter beers. Finish is all hops and smoke and is wonderful. I definitely taste the high alpha Columbus hops and they are excellent. Aftertaste is long and dry and smoky. Excellent

-Mouthfeel 2.0: This beer is obviously CO2 carbonated. It could have been so much better if it had been bottle conditioned and the carbonation amped up considerably to make it "frothy."

-Overall 3.5: This is an excellent drinking beer, but I imagine it would overpower any food you consume with it. Who needs food? Just drink it. My opinion is that this is an excellent tasting beer, but that Stone needs to upgrade several elements of this beer. Room for improvement in several areas.

Serving type: bottle

09-02-2012 04:28:59 | More by BeerDocT

fields336

North Carolina

4.35/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

side by side w chipotle and vanilla porters

A: pours a dark brown/black color when held up to the light has some deep ruby streaks. 2 finger light brown, khaki head on it. foamy, fluffy hangs around. sticky lacing is adhering to the sides

S: coffee, chocolate, earthy, slight smokiness, toffee, roastiness,r

T: chocolate, coffee, roastiness, smokey, bacon, slight vanilla, charcoal, earthy, toffee, bitter chocolate. as it warms, dark fruits and chocolate are prominant, with some licorice undertones.

M: medium/full bodied, not syrupy but enough sugar to hang around and coat your mouth. finish is sweet and toasty/bitter. really delicious beer

O: I love this beer, it's such a great beer and only 6%, so much flavor packed in. Great to cook with too!

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2012 00:31:49 | More by fields336

Chaney

District of Columbia

4.03/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Man, I haven't had this one in years, yet I have a bomber in front of me. Oh, what to do...

Served in a Port City tulip.

A: Mean head, mocha color so to speak, sticky, and with a very dark brew below it.... almost black even.

S: Like toasted, slightly burned milk chocolate. Really nice and a totally breathe of fresh air from many porters out there.

T: One of the all-time standards and I see why: Toasty, but not too. Yep... I can see how this appeals to the dark beer loving masses. Milky and candy-like, roasty goodness for sure.

M: Snot-like enough, and infinitely drinkable, with lots of lacing and a welcome departure from most of the porters I've had here recently.

O: One of the the all-time greats for most people. But for me, it was really, really good.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2012 05:08:43 | More by Chaney

3BeerGuys

3.18/5  rDev -21.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: dark ruby when held up to the light, lacing on the glass and a nice cream colored head that retains its apperance.

S: lightly smoked with hints of chocolate and malt.

T: flavors are not super deep. Smokier up front than on the finish, lighter than expected.

M: well carbonated, light in the mouth with a clean short-lived aftertaste.

O: good. Could be smokier and more alcoholic. Easy to drink. Keeping in mind the simplicity of the ingredients, its one to buy again.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2012 02:56:16 | More by 3BeerGuys

WastingFreetime

Wisconsin

3.5/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Reviewed from tasting notes.

Poured out a dark brown color with a brief flash head and minimal lacing, smells and taste mostly of chocolate, coffee, and has a very accessibly light licorice / smoke character to it. Seriously, it's really quite light on the smoke for your typical smoked beer. In that regards, it could serve as an introduction to the style for the neophyte....medium body and carbonation, a fairly by-the-books porter that just happens to have an exciting accent of smoke along for the ride. However, I personally have come to expect a lot more smoke from a smoked beer than what has been presented to me in this brew...

Serving type: bottle

08-18-2012 03:50:43 | More by WastingFreetime

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bomber from Wegmans Syracuse NY for 5.49$

Appearance - Black/brown colour with with an average size fizzy light brown head. I can't make out the amount of carbonation showing and there is some decent lacing. The head lasted for 3-4 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Malts, chocolate, grains, roasted notes

Taste & Mouth - There is a below average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, chocolate, and some roasted/toasted nuts. There is also a bit of a smokiness and a touch of bitter coffee flavour. It ends with a grainy/chocolate aftertaste with a bitterness that lingers for a bit.

Overall - Very drinkable, but a little plain/boring. My bottle is a little past the exp. date, but still. A great session beer, but lacking the wow factor that most Stone beers have.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2012 23:59:36 | More by spinrsx

TheRealBigC

Nevada

4.23/5  rDev +4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a very dark brown, light mocha head. Smoke is noticeable to the smell, but not overwhelming. It's also got a latte sort of fragrance. The smoke works well with the standard porter fare. This beer is quite robust, which I prefer in my porters. This was a turning point for me and smoked brews and even if it's not for all occasions, it's a supreme smoked porter for when the time is right.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2012 04:33:01 | More by TheRealBigC

beerme626

Kentucky

4.53/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from Liquor Barn in Lexington, poured into a tervis tumbler (still don't have my glasses yet)

A: Rich dark, practically opaque, with a nice two-finger head, very tan, that diminishes but doesn't quite disappear after 2/3 of a beer. Seen better, but it's very good.

S: Rich caramel, malts, and chocolate.

T: A tasty porter. Rich is the word of the day. Complex malts and syrup initially, with a nice touch of hops and coffee on the back end. Bittersweet. Not as much obvious smoke, but an aftereffect of smoke that feels good.

M: Rich, and frothy without being foamy. Bubbly without going overboard, and a very pleasant feel on the tongue. Ideal for a porter.

O: I've been more blown away by porters (Founder's, Great Lakes,) but this is very good.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2012 02:04:21 | More by beerme626

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.95/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 7/2010 notes. Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours dark, almost black. Thin light brown head with little lacing. Roasty malts and light smoke throughout with a mellow roasty faint smoke finish. Not as smoky as a rauchbier or Smoke Jumper, but nicely made and tasty. Surprisingly tasty for a 6% beer. Medium bodied. Worth a revisit.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2012 23:46:31 | More by LiquidAmber