Longboat Chocolate Porter - Phillips Brewing Company

RooferOnFire

British Columbia (Canada)

4.34/5  rDev +17.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

What's On The Cover- Phillips makes some creative brews, so the recycled paper label goes with it. It doesn't seem to have the usual tale on the side, but I'm thinking The Raven plays in. No surprise in the fact that browns dominate. This is 5.0%abv, poured out of a 341ml bottle into a tasting glass and narrow beer mug.

Appearance (what's inside) - carbonation cascading upward into a generous, lasting, brown, creamy, head, with slight lacing. Fades into a quarter to half inch of root beer foam. Extremely dark brown.

Smell - Dark chocolate, milk chocolate, roasted coffee and grain malt (think Pero). Very inviting. Possibly the best aroma of any commercially-produced chocolate porter.

Taste- Milk chocolate, black Lindor, mocha, very clean. almost too clean initially. 15-20 second dark mocha aftertaste. I expected bigger, given the aroma and moniker, but it is well above average.

Mouthfeel - Medium body. Almost no carbonation hits the back of your throat. You'll probably still want to have a glass of water or side of vanilla bean ice cream afterward. (Actually, that's a great idea!)

This is a great effort for a Canadian Chocolate Porter, and it may set the benchmark for the Pacific Northwest. Despite it's shortcomings, it is a great beer that will make you feel nice. It's qualities almost lend itself to the bizarre idea of a beer float. This is not as heavy as many porters, but is still what I'd consider a dessert beer.

Definitely a decent effort by Phllips and deserving of the price point, particularly considering others in its class. May rival some of the better English brands. Even if you're not a fan of the style, its aroma will invite you in for a beer or ten and you'll be dutifully punished in the morning.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2013 05:27:50 | More by RooferOnFire

TheSevenDuffs

Ontario (Canada)

3.65/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

On tap @ Garrick's Head.

A - Very dark brown with a thin layer of dirty brown head

S - Huge sweet milk chocolate aroma with some roast. The chocolate sweetness is almost Nesquick like.

T - Very sweet. Milk chocolate and a big nutty characteristic. Some roast.

M - Light to medium body. Creamy. Light carbonation.

Serving type: on-tap

03-15-2013 03:20:49 | More by TheSevenDuffs

Muhly

Alberta (Canada)

3.73/5  rDev +1.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

650 mL bottle poured into the beery beer glass.

A-pours a dark brown with about 1/2 finger of tan/brown head.

S-lots of chocolate with a touch of dark malts.

T-tons of cocoa and chocolate. Get some dark malt sweetness as well. Just a hint of hop bitterness finishing it off. Very clean beer accentuating the chocolate.

M-creamy with minimal carbonation. Very smooth.

O-a very enjoyable beer paired it with some amazing taco goodness from Tres Carnales in Edmonton. It is a bit one note with the chocolate and I don't know that I'll seek it out again unless I'm in the mood for something so chocolatey.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 06:18:17 | More by Muhly

Scrylol

Alberta (Canada)

4.43/5  rDev +20.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Pours a nice dark murky brown color, almost completely black. One finger beige colored head that sticks around, a bit of lacing on the side.

Plenty of milk chocolate notes followed by a slight hint of coffee. Can smell a bit of malt backbone in there.

Immediately there is plenty of milk chocolate taste mixed with a slight hint of coffee and cocoa. A bit sweet. Very little bitterness, and a nice solid malty backbone to it. Leaves a dry, slightly lingering taste of dark chocolate.

Appropriate amount of carbonation on the tongue, just enough to tickle the tongue. A bit of a thick mouthfeel to it, pairs greatly with the style. Goes down smooth and easy.

A very good chocolate porter by Phillips Brewing. This was a pleasant surprise.

Serving type: bottle

09-23-2012 04:36:29 | More by Scrylol

LampertLand

British Columbia (Canada)

4.35/5  rDev +17.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was surprised how much I liked this beer at the Great Canadian Beerfest 2011 and was looking forward to reviewing it at later date , the later date is here so ,
A - pours a lovely dark rich chocolate color with a nice head
S - beer mixed with chocolate very interesting
T - the combination of these two flavors is surprising a first to the
palate , pleasant but is not over powering ,
M - the second mouthful you know what to expect but there's just a hint of bitterness , like cooking chocolate at the end
O - I'm normally not a fan of English beers , but something works here for me , I like it , recommend it , surprise yourself

Cheers LampertLand

Serving type: bottle

01-19-2012 01:02:54 | More by LampertLand

leaddog

Alberta (Canada)

3.3/5  rDev -10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance- Dark cola colour with thin beige head. Opaque and bubbly.

Smell- Milk chocolate with slight caramel aroma.

Taste- Bitter cocoa at first but then goes to the milk chocolate that was detected in the smell. No lingering aftertaste.

Mouthfeel- Lighter bodied than expected. Slightly watery. Nice bubbliness.

Overall- A decent chocolate flavoured porter. A little disappointed by the mouthfeel, but the taste is pleasant and the aromas smell delicious.

Serving type: bottle

11-26-2011 04:15:56 | More by leaddog

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

3.03/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

650ml bottle poured into pint glass 11/12/11

A dark cola with a short lived dark tan head that leaves no lace

S chocolate milk with some cold coffee and sour fruit

T some more dark malts on top of what I smell, there's something not quite right here, its not offensive but like a weak milk stout that's not grooving with me

M lacking body but has plenty of bubbles, almost a little foamy with a short lived burnt malt aftertaste

O like I said above nothing offensive but nothing special

far below my Phillips standards for sure, pretty average stuff from an above average brewery

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2011 02:23:33 | More by wordemupg

timtwoface

British Columbia (Canada)

3.35/5  rDev -9.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

I normally love a good porter or stout, and the idea of chocolate-flavoured beer really appeals to me. And this beer is good, don't get me wrong - but there was something about the very strong hints of chocolate in this one that were almost too much for me. I don't think I have much of a sweet tooth when it comes to my beers, so sadly this one wasn't a favourite: very delicious, but I can't drink 650mL of this one in one sitting and enjoy it to the fullest extent which I should be able to.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 22:36:39 | More by timtwoface

IronDjinn

Alberta (Canada)

3.68/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

From a 650 ml brown bottle. Pours out a dense, nearly opaque brown, with a short creamy beige head.

Burnt, roasty malt on the nose, some wood, black coffee, and dry cocoa notes.

The first sip is quite intense, yet everything after that seems thinner in comparison. This is a Porter that has you chasing the dragon. Toasty malt, some burnt and woody character, followed closely by black coffee, and hints of dry earthy cocoa on the finish.

Mouthfeel is full-bodied, yet deceptively so compared to the flavour profile, which makes it come across as thinner. Texture is somewhat velvety with some healthy carbonation.

Near the bottom of the glass and I'm still chasing that dragon. An enjoyable Porter still, with some depth. Always good to see more decent Porters on the local shelves, it's a style that tends to get shorted.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2011 05:55:46 | More by IronDjinn

DaftCaskBC

British Columbia (Canada)

3.8/5  rDev +3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A: 3/4" mocha coloured head that left nice lacing over extremely dark brown liquid.

S: cocoa and some malt.

T: dark chocolate mostly with some malt. Bitter finish.

M: Very thin and a low level of medium carbonation.

O: Good smell and taste, but could have a better mouth feel.

Serving type: bottle

07-11-2011 04:40:40 | More by DaftCaskBC

brewymcgee

British Columbia (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: Blackish brown with only a hint of tan head around the edges of the glass

Aroma: Chocolate with coffee in the background

Taste: Dark chocolate and coffee again, with a hint of sourness balancing the sweetness. I pick up nice pipe tobacco flavours on the finish.

Mouthfeel: Smooth medium body with a nice light bubbly tingle.

Drinkability: Very good. I would usually associate these flavours with richer beers but this is still enjoyable. Excellent for sipping after a meal, especially if you wanted something sweet but not too rich (say, summer patio sunset dessert?)

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2011 04:52:43 | More by brewymcgee

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance. Pours a deep redish-brown with a finger of light tan head.

Smell. Chocolate! Like a good chocolate bar. Maybe a little vanilla, but mostly sweet chocolate.

Taste. Chocolate again! Not too sweet and some nice roasty, caramel malts as well. Again a little vanilla and just slightly acidic.

Mouthfeel. Medium-light body with medium carbonation.

Overall. Just like the name says, chocolate porter, and it delivers on that part. The longboat is barely detectable but I'm sure it's there...

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2011 03:02:19 | More by Rutager

joemcgrath27

Alberta (Canada)

3.63/5  rDev -1.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

doesn't say "double", but definitely the same beer
A - almost black, shiny mocha head that dissipated to a half finger and hung around a while
S - very leafy and chocolaty, with a very buttery sweet corn malt kind of odour
T - the semi-sweet bakers chocolate is uncanny, some coffee malt, a strong buttery popcorn quality, with chocolate malt throughout
M - well carbonated and thin smooth, finishing sweet and slightly dry
D - the chocolate aspect is delicious, but the corn like taste is always there which takes away from the porter flavours I am looking for, but still very tasty and drinkable

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2011 04:26:01 | More by joemcgrath27

sprucetip

Alaska

1.63/5  rDev -55.8%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 1

From notes.

Dark brown with some light around the edges when backlit. Fizzy tan head fades fast. No lacing.

Chocolate syrup and not much else. With a swirl, I get faint booze and a light whiff of base grains.

Better than the nose, but not much. Chocolate syrup and something sorta dark fruity trying to poke through. Way to sweet and chocolate syrupy!

Too much carbonation tingle, medium body, and a bit of viscosity. More warming than I'd expect for its size. Or is that that overly strong carbonation?

I support being creative and experimental. But whose idea was it ot dump a bunch of Hershey's syrup in what may have been a decent beer? Very disappointing. I don't do drain pours, but if I did, I would have. Not at all enthused about finishing this.

Serving type: bottle

01-12-2011 04:36:28 | More by sprucetip

liamt07

Ontario (Canada)

3.23/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from IllNate, way back when. 650ml bottle into a pint glass. Thanks Nathan.

Pours a dark brown, couple fingers of tan head. Body is not opaque, some burgundy and ruby red shades come through in better light. Light retention and lace. Cocoa and milk chocolate in the nose, subtle hint of some roast/smoke in the malt. Maybe. Taste wasn't as nice, a watery cocoa flavour was all that I could get. Lacks body and thickness, flavour limited to the mild cocoa and milk chocolate. Mouthfeel needs improving. Higher carbonation than I would've liked, but drinkability was OK.

Serving type: bottle

01-05-2011 00:11:53 | More by liamt07

andrenaline

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Pours a dark ruby red, but is almost opaque, unless hit directly with light. Finger of nice beige head, but leaves no real lacing.

S - Espresso and cocoa dominate the nose, quite nice.

T - I found this one to be a little on the sour side, however, it was by no means offensive. The chocolate malts dominate the flavours, some vanilla and cherry notes were also detectable.

M - Nicely balanced, and not overly dry on the finish.

D - Pretty tasty offering from Phillips, and I would purchase again given the opportunity. The sourness was a bit of a turn-off, but not enough to ruin the experience.

Serving type: bottle

08-14-2010 17:09:09 | More by andrenaline

pootz

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from trade:

Pours dark black with a 2 finger brown cap which laces and displays fair retention.

Full bodied, cocoa-malty character.

Big malts in front like chocolate cake without the sweetness, some dark fruits, coffee, tobacco...long wet finish dries slowly with bitter chocolate end.

Well made, good tasting, satisfying but nothing stands out from the hundreds of other micro cocoa porters out there.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2010 15:36:01 | More by pootz

LadyBastet27

Ontario (Canada)

4.25/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

I haven't had many porters (yet) as I have found them too strong/unpalatable...however, I was feeling daring and picked this one up as I like Phillips Brewery very much. Poured thick and black with a creamy, tan head. Lovely aroma of chocolate sweetness. Not too heavy with a medium body. Strong taste of chocolate (a bit artificial, but whatever) throughout and a smooth, satisfying finish. If you see this in your local liquor store, pick one up, even if you don't typically drink porters. You'll thank me:)

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2010 05:04:22 | More by LadyBastet27

chickenm

British Columbia (Canada)

2.8/5  rDev -24.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Pours a dark brown color with a small tan head that disappeared quickly. A sweet smell of chocolate milk and cocoa dominates. The body of this is way too light for a porter. There is a watery cocoa taste... did not appeal to me at all. Overall this was a disappointment, don't think I'll buy this again.

Serving type: bottle

11-24-2009 02:07:40 | More by chickenm

astout

British Columbia (Canada)

2.98/5  rDev -19.2%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Looks good, opaque and black with a small tan head, disperses slowly leaving small amounts of lacing.

Almost nothing going on here aromatically, some faint roasted notes and an overcooked corn vegetal thing I've gotten on all Phillips beers to some degree. Not disgusting by any means but far from good.

More of the same on the palate, faint roasted notes and a hint of chocolate if that much. Over-cooked veggie thing pops up again for me mid-palate but doesn't dominate the beer like some others. Again not terrible but nothing remarkable either.

Milky and smooth with subtle carbonation makes up for the lack or aromatics and flavour but only to a point.

Thanks to the smooth mouthfeel and overall lack of...well anything noteworthy, this beer is somehow fairly drinkable (at least in so far as I would have no problem finishing off a pint or two), but it definitely wouldn't become my go to at the bar or at home (in fact buying it once is probably enough).

As an aside my review is probably somewhat more to the negative because of these vegetal notes, something that particularly bugs me and may not be noticed by everyone.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2009 23:04:16 | More by astout

josiahschlender

Oregon

3.4/5  rDev -7.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Picked this up when on a trip to Victoria and heard good things about the brewery from locals.

Pours into a pint glass very dark brown, almost black with a quickly fizzing khaki head that holds a thin ring and leaves a couple splotches of lace.

Aromas are sweet and chocolatey. Not quite milk chocolate, but not yet the ultra dark stuff. As it warms, I note more dark roasted malts, a bit of brewed coffee and maybe even a bit of earthy hops, but nothing very intense.

Taste has quite a bit of chocolate again, playing off of somewhat rough dark roasted malts. Not much sweetness, more of the burnt flavors, plus more of the bittering hops than I expect. After having a handful of weakly hopped Victoria beers, this one is a surprise to me, especially in a way that doesn't end up complimenting the beer very well, in my opinion.

Body is pretty thin, medium lasting finish... nothing about this beer is very exceptional, except the price I paid for it. Beer in general is much more expensive in Canada, and I'd rather have spent the money on a world class Rogue or Stone.

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2009 06:25:50 | More by josiahschlender

DIM

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

a: This was a very dark brown, bordering on black. It pours with a medium sized, light tan colored head.

s: The ingredients list mentions both cocoa powder and chocolate flavour, whatever that means. While the word "flavour" made me a bit skeptical, I have to admit this smelled pretty good. I got notes of rich, milky hot cocoa with just a trace of roast. The chocolate clearly dominates.

t: Things are more balanced here. Smooth chocolate milk flavors are blunted somewhat by slightlu sour porter roastiness. The finish is dry cocoa.

m: Gentle, foamy carbonation and an above average body for a porter.

d: It wasn't until I returned from my trip that I saw the word "flavoured" between chocolate and porter. Somewhat dismayed, I let this gradually work it's way to the back of the refridgerator over a period of two months. I have to admit though, this was vey tasty and quite refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2009 18:22:48 | More by DIM

Graham5161986

British Columbia (Canada)

4.28/5  rDev +16%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This beer pours a dark black/brown with a very light, cream coloured head that doesn;t last very long leaving not too much in terms of lacing. Smell is of rich, creamy milk chocolate with hits of coffee and caramel to boot. Taste is very chocolatey up front with some nice roastiness in the background and on the finish. Mouthfeel is medium to full bodied and creamy with a light touch of crisp carbonation to help cleanse the palate. I love this beer - I've had it many times before and will continue to to enjoy it. It's so easy to drink and always provides for a soothign chocolatey experience. Try it with some grilled steak - you won't regret it!

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2009 17:25:46 | More by Graham5161986

shivtim

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A very good porter. Tried this one at the Alibi Room in Vancouver.
Looks good in the glass. very dark brown with ruby highlights. Off-white small head.
Nose is strong baking chocolate and bitter dark malts.
Taste is heavy dark chocolate, iced coffee. Nice combo of flavors. Not too sweet. Gentle creaminess.
Mouthfeel is wonderfully full and milky. Great brew.

Serving type: on-tap

07-15-2009 13:26:32 | More by shivtim

BigBry

Alberta (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

650ml brown bottle, brought back from BC. Label as pictured above.
Pours a dark brown color, almost like a coke. Huge billowing head of tan fan that shrank away fairly quickly. Thin streams of bubbles, no lacing to speak of. It has the smell of some bitter chocolate. Slightly fruity and earthy. The taste was good, malty, earthy, the chocolate flavor was not very strong. The body was thinner and lighter then expected. I found myself wanting more - flavor, kick, creaminess - anticipating a really powerful 'double'.

Serving type: bottle

08-10-2008 15:53:12 | More by BigBry