Battleaxe Baltic Porter - Fat Heads Brewery & Saloon

jampics2

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev -2.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

On tap @ Fat Heads Cleveland. Served in a short glass for around $5.50.

Right off the axe, err, bat, this beer suffers from the same syndrome so many before it fell to – the color is just too light for a Baltic. Dark brown with some black but waaaay too much red comes through when held to the light. The off-white head isn’t terribly impressive, although it leaves some decent lace behind.

Fortunately, despite the thin appearance, this beer packed in a great nose and taste. The former is full of dark fruit notes atop a roasted malt bed. Licorice, cherry, prune and raisin all come together while the chocolate base is smooth without burned edges. There’s very little (if any) noticeable booze, and this is really pleasant although it could “jump” out of the glass more.

The taste starts off with some roasted malts reminiscent of coffee. Then, dark fruit emerges with some substantial malt heaviness. The notes of chocolate, licorice, anise and raisin all come together in an orgy of darkness. There’s some mild noticeable alcohol, but the lagering really made this smooth and complete. The taste is very pleasant and expressive. I really, really enjoy sampling this beer!

That being said, there is one more flaw to address. My favorite American Baltic Porter is from Duck Rabbit. It’s such a smooth and solid beer, but my favorite part is how they nailed the mouthfeel. Fat Heads could learn from that beer – this is good but too thin, and there’s more of a prickly than creamy carbonation. However, that doesn’t really impede my enjoyment. Despite being a bit thin, this Baltic Porter is ready for battle, axe and all.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2011 17:22:54 | More by jampics2

barflybastard

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +7.4%

05-12-2013 23:38:57 | More by barflybastard

Richie24CLE

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

03-18-2013 16:02:18 | More by Richie24CLE

Cazlo

Pennsylvania

4.5/5  rDev +7.4%

03-16-2013 02:13:56 | More by Cazlo

equincel

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

03-11-2013 22:27:53 | More by equincel

tmars13

3/5  rDev -28.4%

03-03-2013 18:35:16 | More by tmars13

RblWthACoz

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.5%

03-02-2013 07:44:06 | More by RblWthACoz

ChrisMon02

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

02-18-2013 23:30:57 | More by ChrisMon02

eyeenjoybeer

Indiana

4.5/5  rDev +7.4%

02-18-2013 23:19:25 | More by eyeenjoybeer

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.19/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

Pours charcoal black with a tight cap of fine bubbles. Quite the creamy-looking head.

Some muted coffee and cocoa notes along with that seaside minerality that comes with a Baltic.

Deliciously rich flavors! Roasty, but mellowed, with more mocha notes that are easy to identify for the style. Saltiness pairs well with the chocolate. Hints of blanched peanuts and vanilla, too.

Creamy, like a nitro-draft, although this one's driven by CO2. Body is thicker than medium. Carbonation is tight and well-groomed.

Very nice stuff. A surprise delight between two delicious IPAs during my post-work beer session at Mad Mex. Highly recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2013 03:26:16 | More by thecheapies

Swza88

4.5/5  rDev +7.4%

02-07-2013 01:42:47 | More by Swza88

kbrown

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

02-06-2013 21:35:05 | More by kbrown

Mounty4Life

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at House of 1000 beers.
Appears pitch black, unable to see through. Had a nice light hot chocolate like head that stuck around. Smells of chocolate like and a little robustness. Taste of a smothe dark chocolate that is very easy going. The hops stick to your tounge in the follow through. I liked the mouthfeel the best, nice med carb and everything develops well on the tounge! Overall a very good porter just shy of a coffee flavor that would put in top tier!

Serving type: on-tap

02-01-2013 22:35:44 | More by Mounty4Life

warrenout330

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

01-30-2013 00:52:10 | More by warrenout330

Gschaf

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.5%

01-25-2013 23:18:13 | More by Gschaf

Pensfan0782

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.5%

01-23-2013 23:39:35 | More by Pensfan0782

mjw1200

Ohio

5/5  rDev +19.3%

12-28-2012 02:48:31 | More by mjw1200

mdaschaf

Washington

3.98/5  rDev -5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at Fat Heads. Review from notes.

A: Pours a dark brown with a small tan head on top with little retention or lacing.

S: A good bit of roasty malt upfront with a little bit of chocolate and coffee.

T: More roasty goodness, some chocolate, cocoa, and a bit of espresso. Slight bitterness on the finish.

M: Medium to full bodied with low to medium carbonation giving it a smooth mouthfeel.

O: A good baltic porter, was definitely digging this one.

Serving type: on-tap

11-13-2012 00:34:39 | More by mdaschaf

SalukiAlum

Colorado

4.75/5  rDev +13.4%

10-15-2012 00:46:33 | More by SalukiAlum

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

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

This brew poured out as a deep brownish black color with a thin light brown colored head on top. The smell of the beer was full of roasted aromas and some light sweet dark fruit notes. The taste was malty with a roasted finish and subtle bitterness. The mouthfeel was smooth and slick with a minimal carbonation to it. Overall it's a nice brew, really quite tasty, worth a try.

Serving type: on-tap

09-27-2012 20:12:02 | More by Knapp85

Stinger80OH

Ohio

5/5  rDev +19.3%

07-05-2012 21:30:21 | More by Stinger80OH

drewloc

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

05-08-2012 20:22:24 | More by drewloc

Tyrawlings

Ohio

4/5  rDev -4.5%

02-12-2012 16:56:59 | More by Tyrawlings

Ohiovania

Ohio

5/5  rDev +19.3%

11-15-2011 04:37:38 | More by Ohiovania

thebouch01

Pennsylvania

5/5  rDev +19.3%

11-14-2011 16:12:32 | More by thebouch01