Sweetwater Exodus Porter - SweetWater Brewing Company

TheSeeker61

Georgia

4.05/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I was impressed with this offering. In fact it was one of the best porters I've experienced. The appearance was a very dark brown with an inch head. Poured into a pint glass from a growler. The nose was giving off some very attractive chocolate/coffee smells. The tongue was a pleasant combination of chocolate coffee faint vanilla cream. Mouthfeel was somewhat watery. Thought it should have been at least medium. Overall very enjoyable and will pick this up again.

Serving type: growler

10-17-2012 20:58:55 | More by TheSeeker61

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.98/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

dark brown almost black pour with a finger of creme colored head, nice retention. smells of dark roasted grains, bitter chocolate, plums. the taste is very smooth, a chocolatey flavor overall, with a distinct taste almost reminiscent of sunflower seeds in the finish. semi bitter chocolate, and roasted malts.. definitely get a sense of oats in the mouthfeel. creamy and rich, medium body with a modest amount of carbonation.

it's hard for me to find a porter i like, but this is one of the best i've had. i love when brewers use oats for texture, it does definitely make a difference with beer styles such as porter.

Serving type: bottle

03-31-2013 10:25:52 | More by facundoCNB

kangarooAdam59

Pennsylvania

3.54/5  rDev -6.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Thanx Damian74Shensky:

Best by 04/08/13:

Into a mug:

A: pitch black body with a one finger white foamy head that quickly dissipates and leaves concave clingy lacing

S: chocolate, toffee, light coffee, light roasted malt and I do get some peanut butter, hmm ... interesting (am wondering if that was intentional ...? 'cause I honestly don't know where I'm getting that even after I've smelled it so many times even after it warms)

T: sweet and bitter at different times through all previously mentioned flavors except for that peanut buttery thing I initially smelled, slight chocolate aftertaste, sticky finish

M: light, sessionable, smooth, adequate carbonation

O: I would say this is good for its style and good for me, I'd have this one again, and it would probably be good with food, I'm not sure where that peanut buttery smell I'm gettin' comes from, but it could be possibly due to the fact that its close to expiring

Serving type: bottle

03-29-2013 18:29:19 | More by kangarooAdam59

godlessape

Georgia

3.85/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Drank this one out of a snifter. The body is a deep dark luxurious ruby red to the power of 10, but not dark enough to be impenetrable by light. The tan head sinks rather swiftly but never abandons.
The aroma is resplendent with chocolate notes along with raisins, coffee beans, an intense roasted malt and a hint of alcohol.
The taste starts off with a bitter blast of cheap coffee, followed up with a dry sweet cocoa. Roasted grains of course are here as well as a subtle hop presence.
The mouthfeel is creamy smooth with just the right amount of carbonation.
Overall this is a solid porter from one hell of a great brewery.

Serving type: bottle

03-09-2013 03:44:49 | More by godlessape

CaptMaelstrom

Tennessee

2.64/5  rDev -30%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.75

Poured from bottle into tulip glass

A: Black, opaque, poured a 1 finger cream-colored head that quickly subsided. Leaves marginal lacing.

S: I get definite notes of malty chocolate, some hop character.

T: As advertised, hops up front, fades to chocolately malt, and bitter throughout with a strongly bitter aftertaste. Too strong and too alkaline in my opinion. I was looking for something sweeter.

M: Carbonation is a tad high, I was hoping for a smoother, creamier mouth-feel. The bitterness cuts through any smoothness the beer might have otherwise.

O: Not very complex, not that balanced, not even really that drinkable unless you love alkaline-type bitterness. In short, "Move along, nothing to see here folks."

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 05:47:53 | More by CaptMaelstrom

BryanCarey

Texas

3.63/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Sweetwater Exodus Porter pours to a dark brown color and a good pour produces a decent level of foam, but it doesn’t last very long. The nose on this beer is pleasant, with scents of chocolate malt, toffee, a touch of light coffee, and lightly roasted malt. The scent is mostly sweet, agreeable, and enticing enough to add to the porter’s initial appeal.

Sweetwater Exodus Porter has a taste that is similar to what the nose leads you to expect, with a few surprises. The flavor that is most noticeable is chocolate/cocoa, but there is also some light roasted malt, mild black licorice, and caramel. The beer has a mild hop bitterness that is short- lived, as the taste is mostly sweet and returns to a sweet sensation quickly in the aftertaste.

This porter is, if nothing else, a very easy- going, easy- drinking, sessionable porter that most anyone will like. With a lower than average bitterness and the great taste of cocoa, this is a good introductory porter and/or a good porter for those who normally do not like the style. With its friendly, approachable personality, I can’t imagine anyone who would not find this porter at least acceptable. Granted, it is not a world classic but I don’t think it was intended that way. It was meant as a porter that would have widespread appeal and if that was the goal, the brewers succeeded.

Sweetwater Exodus Porter is easy to find around the Atlanta area and if you can find it, I recommend giving it a try. The flavor is moderate enough that most anyone will find the beer agreeable overall and it is not extreme in any way. It’s not an amazing beer, but it is certainly good and definitely worthy of a sample.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 04:56:28 | More by BryanCarey

Jeffwildcat

Arizona

3.43/5  rDev -9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Craft beer of the month delivered. 1 finger width froth dead. Dark brown appearance. Coffee aroma with a hint of dark chocolate. Medium to full body. Coffee taste with a dark bitter chocolate after taste. Coffee does overpower this one. Good with desert or as an after dinner.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2013 05:42:33 | More by Jeffwildcat

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev -1.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Large, two-fingered beige head. As it settles, it leaves some chunks of spotty lace. The color is dark brown, but light will pass through the edges of the glass.

Strong earthy (read: dirt) smells. Some powered unsweetened cocoa in the background. A bit of chalkiness.

This is a drier Porter with less chocolate than most. There's a bit of burnt malt on the tongue. Oddly, I detect a touch of cream taste. There's also a solid level of hop bitterness although it is in the background of the roasted malt flavors. The body is neutral for the style while the carbonation is slightly elevated.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2013 22:53:12 | More by smcolw

guityler83

Wisconsin

3.99/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: Not sure, its In a bottle (don't have a glass)

S: Chocolate, coffee and roasted malt aroma profile.

T: Chocolate and cocoa are dominant. Clean spicy hop bitterness but slightly on the sweet side overall.

M: Creamy with moderate body. slight astringency (from the roasted malts?)

O: Very sessionable beer with tons of flavor. I missed Sweetwater at GABF 2012, but with this one winning in the brown porter category I thought I'd check it out while in Georgia. If it had a bit more of a hop precence to cover up the sweetness this would be up there with my favorite brown porters. Nice showing once again from Sweetwater

Serving type: bottle

02-10-2013 17:09:23 | More by guityler83

chickenflea

Florida

3.65/5  rDev -3.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle. Pours dark with ruby cast. Short, dense tan head. Aroma is slightly hoppy with strong roasted malt notes, coffee and chocolate. Taste is semi-sweet chocolate, roasted malt, coffee and burnt caramel. Body is light-medium and creamy with a soft, bubbly carbonation. Finishes with creamed coffee, and battery-on-the-tongue tanginess. Some surprising umami there too. Tasty porter. Am wondering about that finish though. Not sure if I like it, but it is interesting.

Serving type: bottle

01-22-2013 23:32:40 | More by chickenflea

fields336

North Carolina

4.01/5  rDev +6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

A: not quite opaque, lighter than normal, brown, chocolate, with slight caramel tinge, 1 finger mocha colored head, bubbles away leaving

S: coffee, caramel, toffee, chocolate, with a slight hop aroma

T: milk and dark chocolate with a mild coffee flavor, really really delicious. notes of toffee, fig, slight cherry flavor and caramel on the finish. delicious

M: medium bodied, residual sugars are nice, carbonation is medium, done well for the style

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2013 01:45:22 | More by fields336

ExtraStout

Massachusetts

3.58/5  rDev -5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

The beer pours a deep, dark brown, topped with a fat, tan head. Good head retention, but no lacing. Nice aroma, thick with coffee and cocoa bittersweet maltiness. Some plum and piney hop notes. The first sip reveals a restrained coffee bittersweetness, moving elegantly into a moderately hopped, maltier finish. Notes of dark chocolate, carob, and some fig. Roasted malt takes precedence throughout, accented with cleanish ale fruitiness and restrained hopping. Mild carbonation, with a lightish medium body. Smooth, almost creamy mouthfeel. A very drinkable brew for when you're in the mood for darker stuff. Milder and soothing.

Serving type: bottle

12-29-2012 22:07:13 | More by ExtraStout

jbphoto88

Texas

3.8/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

My first impression is that this porter is on the lighter side of things. It's a yellowed mahogany with ruby highlights in the deepest areas. The head was khaki but left quickly and unimpressively.

The smell picks up the pace with handfuls of roasted grains that range from sugared cereal to coffee and chocolate. Sweet and enticing.

There is a similar flavor profile to the nose with the cereals and rosted grains obviously dominating. Chocolate flavors wan a bit letting a coffee bitterness come through. Not bad.

I'm not as impressed by the mouthfeel, it dips a few points from the flavor and gets thin for a porter. The carbonation is also very fine that makes the beer very slick which I find to be one of the finer points of the finish. This one ping pongs back and forth between really good and slightly above average. A tasty beer none the less and one that I'd easily have again.

Serving type: bottle

12-27-2012 21:13:57 | More by jbphoto88

Mojo

Alabama

3.43/5  rDev -9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I wasn't just wowed by this, although it's not too bad either. It pours up close to black with no appreciable head and no lacing. Smell is very weak, but what I could discern was coffee. Mouthfeel is not too bad. Kind of on the thick side, which i like. Taste is molasses and coffee. As I said, it is drinkable, but there are better Porters out there than this one.

Serving type: bottle

11-02-2012 04:16:04 | More by Mojo

scvance

South Carolina

3.08/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Poured from a bottle into a pint glass.

Pours a dark brown, not quite black, light still shines through and makes it appear a deep red color. Leaves a very thin tan head, quickly dissipating, and no lacing. There is very little to the aroma, maybe a hint of roasted maltiness, but that's all. Taste is fairly sweet up front, fades into a bitter coffee flavor, and finishes with a lingering bite and a fairly strong alcoholic flavor. Low carbonation, medium body, fairly smooth. As far as porters go, not the best by far. It's not terrible, but the smell leaves much to be desired, and the taste profile does not match that of a porter at all. I was fairly disappointed with this beer, as I very much enjoy Sweetwater, needless to say, I will not be trying this again.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2012 00:41:51 | More by scvance

cindyjeffsmith

Georgia

4/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

appearance: dark mahogany with some cola highlights. pretty substantial head with big bubbles.
smell: no rough burnt edges. mellow roastiness with some chocolate and smoke.
taste: again, very smooth. No harsh burnt edge at all (and that edge can be very nice in a porter but i like this too).
overall: If I had to pick one over the other give me big, rich and in your face, but this is a nice congenial quaffer.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2012 23:11:49 | More by cindyjeffsmith

Jadjunk

Georgia

3.78/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

SweetWater finally gave this elusive beer a full-time option and since then I've been seeing this show up in most places that carry SweetWater products in the Atlanta market. Exodus porter is brewed in the style of an American Porter. By the label, "First brewed on Bob Marley's birthday, this legend-ary porter initially delivers distinct Irie hop notes which transcend into rich waves of chocolate malt, creating a multidimensional taste experience! Lively up yourself!". Date on bottle is 10/25/12.

Poured from a 12 oz. bottle to a SweetWater pint glass. Served in mid 40º's Fahrenheit.

(Appearance) Pours a medium gray-brown frothy head that recedes at an average pace, settling to a thin, bumpy surface cover. Body color is deep brown with faint mahogany red light shining in at the lightest spots. Appearance is decent, although the head quality is lacking and lacing is nonexistent. 3

(Smell) Aroma includes chocolate, sweet toffee, earthy hops, dark fruits and a touch of vanilla. Slightly sweet, very interesting. Mild potency. Aroma has a lot of complexity; hopefully it'll hold through to the taste. 4

(Taste) Not quite as diverse as in the nose. Flavor is a combination of bitter black patent malt, chocolate and an mild earthy hop. A medium bitterness, some vanilla and a subtle dryness. It's drinkable and enjoyable. 3.5

(Mouthfeel) Slick with a mild creaminess, low carbonation. Mild bitterness, good balance. Medium body, low alcohol presence. Probably one of the best qualities of the drink is in the mouthfeel. 4.5

(Overall) This was a pretty nice Porter, although the aroma predicted far more than the drink delivered on. On a positive note, it is highly drinkable and a nice session dark beer. For that, I'd recommend this amongst your basic porter options for a try. 4

SweetWater Brewing Company's
Exodus Porter
3.78/5.00

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2012 01:00:29 | More by Jadjunk

BeerDocT

Georgia

3.23/5  rDev -14.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

Served in a chilled tulip glass.

-Appearance 3.0: Poured out a very dark, slightly translucent dark brown. Absolutely no head to speak of, just a film on top.

-Smell 3.5: Very nice bouquet. Toasted grains and a strong hint of cocoa powder. Slight coffee notes as well.

-Taste 3.5: Front is flat, dry and slightly smoky. Middle is thin and there is a slight hint of chocolate. Finish is a very light smokiness and a slight sweetness. Finish is nicely smoky and chocolaty, but not overpowering. Pleasant.

-Mouthfeel 2.0: Not nearly enough carbonation in this beer. This detracted from the taste and enjoyment of the beer; a decent level of carbonation would bring out so many other flavor profiles in this beer.

-Overall 3.0: Good beer, but problems in several crucial areas pulled down my score for it. I could see it being a good session beer, but it definitely is not the best example of the porter style.

Serving type: bottle

09-06-2012 04:21:27 | More by BeerDocT

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.68/5  rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - The pour deserves a clear 4 for being dark yet nice with a 1/4 inch of mocha head that reduces to a creamy layer of mocha head.

S - This is what kind of threw me off a bit. Not much roast in the actual smell and some "irie" hops making it smell rather earthy. Hope the taste isn't too bitter.

T - Thankfully the hops are very balanced in this. Starts off mild roasty with soft tones of bittersweet chocolates. Then I get some hops that give it an almost "chalky" like finish that dries the palate begging for another sip. Not bad but for the label describing "waves of chocolate" this one falls short.

M - Medium and creamy. I expected the ABV to be 6-7 but was surprised to see it more sessionable.

Overall not a bad porter by any means but I have had better porters with stronger roast tones.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2012 01:10:17 | More by DrDemento456

bamadog

Kentucky

4/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Review is from notes taken on 8/15/2012 and poured from the bottle to a pint glass.

Appeareance: Pour looks pretty nice - a nice deep dark, milk chocolatey brown; starts with a big 2 finger dark, creamy brown head; dark body, nearly opaque; decent carbonation is present near the sides of the glass; head fades to a decent and nearly complete cap; plenty of lacing left behind in thick curtains.

Smell: Lots of dark, burnt roastiness; some bittersweet chocolate; smooth, creamy, almost milky aspect.

Taste: Not too bad, a lot like the nose -- the dark, burnt roasty coffee flavors is out front; a bit of an earthy, bitter nuttiness as well; it's milky and creamy -- again, not too bad, but I'm not the biggest porter fan.

Mouthfeel: Pretty solid again, smooth, creamy; carbonation is soft, perhaps could be a bit sharper; a decent and thick coating is all over the mouth, almost drips off.

Overall: It'll do. I actually got the six pack because I'm making a brisket and I needed some beer to cook it in, but I'll be happy drinking the remaining three.

Serving type: bottle

08-16-2012 00:28:41 | More by bamadog

VncentLIFE

North Carolina

4.2/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Color is a bit light for a porter. Deep, deep brown with a thin white head.

The smell reminds me of Edmund Fitzgerald. Sharp bitter woody smell, along with dry coffee and powdered dark chocolate. Taste is dry and woody, with lots of coffee. Starts off sweet, then you get all the dry woody and coffee notes, then it finishes chewy, roasty, and finally clean. The dry bitter coffee is all that really lingers.

A very well put together porter, but its just in a tough category.

Serving type: bottle

06-30-2012 22:44:34 | More by VncentLIFE

JCaweinstein

Ohio

3.6/5  rDev -4.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Dark brown, one finger off white head dissipates pretty quickly. There seems to be quite a bit of carbonation.
Coffee is what I first think of then chocolate.
Sweet malty taste followed by a little bit of roasty bitterness at the finish. I can taste the alcohol.
Sweet up front and pretty much all the way through. Not a whole lot of change in this one from beginning to end.
I picked this up in a sampler pack. It's decent but im not overly impressed. I don't think I would buy this on its own merit.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2012 02:47:44 | More by JCaweinstein

Cresant

Kentucky

3/5  rDev -20.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served this 12 oz. brown bottle in a Guinness tulip. Best by: 6/13/12. (just under the wire). The body was light brown, but difficult to see through. Root beer or dark cola colored. The minimal head left a tiny ring.

The smell was walnuts and chocolate.

The taste was lightly roasty. Milk chocolate and cola. Lightly bitter finish. Very easy to drink.

The mouthfeel was medium to light with gentle carbonation.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2012 14:48:02 | More by Cresant

vfgccp

New York

3.63/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A - Dark brown, but relatively light for the the style. Off-white head with low retention and lace.

S - Nice roast, milk chocolate, caramel, and a touch of booze.

T - Toast, caramel, milk chocolate, coffee, and a tangy almost lemony roast.

M - Medium light body with a lighty sweet finish.

O - A nice porter. The lemon character was unexpected but really interesting.

Serving type: bottle

06-09-2012 03:19:54 | More by vfgccp

jsanford

Georgia

3.55/5  rDev -5.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12oz bottle.

Pours a light, clear brown with a prickly khaki head. Mild aromas of roasted malt, toasted nuts, caramel, and earthy hops. Taste is quite similar, lots of roasted caramel malt, nuts, and piney hops. Medium-light bodied, with a slightly creamy mouthfeel and good carbonation. Overall a solidly drinkable Porter, but nothing special.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2012 21:40:53 | More by jsanford