Midnight Expression - Port Brewing Company / Pizza Port

Darkmagus82

Montana

3.8/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Served on tap in a 10 oz chalice glass

Appearance – Served a black beer with a one finger tan head. The head faded relatively quickly to leave a moderate amount of lacing.

Smell – The aroma was of roasted malt with a good presence of chocolate and coffee. There was also a light caramel sweetness as well as some lighter more herbal hop aromas mixed within.

Taste - The taste begins nice and roasty and remains that way much throughout. The flavors initially are of a coffee and chocolate flavor with a light amount of caramel sweetness (quite light). The caramel grows a bit in strength in the middle of the taste where it is met with the appearance of a light herbal hop flavor. The caramel however fades once again and the brew becomes even more dry toward the end. With the drying of the taste comes some notes of char and a nutty flavor, which when combined with the roasted coffee and dark chocolate from the start of the taste, leave a dark and dry flavor to linger on the tongue.

Mouthfeel – The body of the beer was on the average side with the carbonation there as well. A bit of a thicker body may have suited the dark flavors slightly better, but for the style and dryness I think it was pretty good.

Overall – Roasty and tasty. While one I would not take as a session beer, it is one to have every once in a while.

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2012 23:36:27 | More by Darkmagus82

tigg924

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at New World Tavern--Plymouth--served into a pint glass

Appearance: black in color, 1/4 inch head, opaque, moderate carbonation

Smell: roasted malt and light chocolate

Taste: roasted malt start with dark chocolate, smokiness and a touch of milk chocolate to combine with the roast at the end

Mouthfeel: super light bodied, moderate carbonation, sweet and dry

Overall: For an American Schwarzbier this is very good. I love the combination of the lightness of its body and the smokiness. The smokiness is prominent but does not come close to rauch levels. This is a solid beer that I will get again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2012 12:37:02 | More by tigg924

BucannonXC5

California

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a draft into a pint glass at KnB Wine Cellars on March 21, 2012 in San Diego. Color was black. Had about two fingers of head. Brown coffee lacing on the top that turned into a slowly fading circle with blank black spots in the middle. Light film on the sides, but still there.

Smell was coffee heavy. Real dark chocolate malts. Expected, but decent nonetheless.

Tasted similar to the nose. Coffee and real dark chocolate malts. Kind of like the kind I hated when I was a kid. Very smooth though.

Full body. Lively (above average) carbonation. Smooth, creamy texture. Smooth rules the day here.

I really liked this beer. Just a smooth and consistent easy drinking beer.

Serving type: on-tap

03-23-2012 07:08:30 | More by BucannonXC5

smcolw

Massachusetts

3.73/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

This is one of the few cases where I prefer the bottled version over the on-tap one.

Near black color, but bright light shines through the edges. Beige head leaves a curtain of streaky lace.

The predominate smell is burnt white toast. First impression of the taste is affected by the thin body. The flavor matches the smell with lots of burnt bread notes. The aftertaste is dry and short. Overall, it reminds me of a strong, dark Euro lager.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2012 22:25:41 | More by smcolw

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

First had: on tap at Hop Angel Brauhaus, Philly, PA

Tasty black lager. Pours a nice opaque black with a finger of tan head. Nice roasty aroma, nutty, with some coffee bitterness. Similar taste, big roasty malts, coffee and cocoa, and a touch of raisin. Smooth, medium mouthfeel, and highly drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

06-01-2011 02:04:06 | More by Rifugium

xnicknj

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

on tap at for pete's sake in philly

A - Pours a stark black with a coffee brown head which slowly turns into a light film and lacing.

S - Scents of toasted grain, roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate all tingle the senses while breathing in.

T - For a black lager, this is highly roasty up front as grain and caramel malt hold the beer together. Hints of coffee and dark chocolate add in some extra flavor during the finish, skillfully adding to its complexity.

M - The viscous feel is pleasant, with a creamy, smooth texture.

D - It drinks a little slower and heavier than the ABV and style would suggest, but still decent.

Appealing, quality beer from Port Brewing. Not my favorite from them but this is definitely worth trying.

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2010 00:31:32 | More by xnicknj

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

4.38/5  rDev +12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On-Tap at The Hulmeville Inn for Philly Beer Week, I love this city. Served up in a pint glass.

A really dark lager,/swartzbier, midnight is jet black with a slight ring of foam around the glass. The surface foam did not 100% cover it's parts. The color was off ivory with small tannish colors. Loose lace. Nice dark looking beer. Smells consist of cocco and roasted malts with a touch of peat/smoke and some caramel A small bit of grain, but i could be reaching there. Taste is slight toffee/ caramel, roast, slight coffee. Cocco powder and a little peat in taste. There's a little of everything here, even some earthy, floral hops hanging out back. Body is a bit thin although it looks bigger, Id say way less than medium. Carb comes through the lightish body quite easy. More smooth than crisp though. This is easy, I drank it quick and did not feel it in the least, 5% beer is alright with me. Will drink again. With the carb issues port/LA gets in a bottle, Im fortunate to find this stuff on draft, cant risk it. This is good beer.

Serving type: on-tap

06-15-2010 03:36:19 | More by onix1agr

Gavage

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +11.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: black in color with a thick 2" head that lingers around a while. Some spotty lace develops.

Smell: roasted malt, coffee, and some chocolate are easily detectable by the nose.

Taste: huge roasted malt flavor with coffee, dark chocolate, some prune sweetness, and a nice bitterness.

Mouthfeel: medioum bodied beer. Crisp at the start, a bit smoother towards the finish. Aftertaste is long as the roasted tones linger around a while.

Drinkability: for the style this beer has a bold flavor profile that keeps you wanting more. Great on tap.

Serving type: on-tap

06-09-2010 11:43:27 | More by Gavage

corby112

Pennsylvania

4.55/5  rDev +17%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Served on draft at Monk's.

Pours a deep dark mahogany amber/chestnut brown color that is completely opaque with only the slightest of dark c
golden mahogany edges when held to a light source. Frothy two finger dark tan head with excellent retention, only slowly fading into a lasting ring that leaves chunks of soapy lacing behind.

Deep dark roasted malt aroma with hints of bitter dark chocolate, smoke, charcoal, toffee, nut and subtle hops. I know this is a schwarzbier but I was shocked how smokey and authentic this smells. Of course there is a slight American twist with the slight citrus and earthy hops but this beer is roasted and smokey with hints of burnt toast and BBQ.

Chewy full body with a nice lactic creamy feel along with a beautiful smoked malt character that isn't overpowering at all. Deep roasted flavor with hints of nut, toffee, chocolate, caramel and burnt toast. Slightly bitter hops provide the perfect compliment to the smokey roasted notes. There is also a subtle dark fruit presence, especially dark cherry thatnprovides a nice sweetnessto the deep roasted notes. This beer is perfectly balanced and extremely quaffable. This is a nice introduction to smoked lagers. No too overpowering with a lot of comlexity balancing it out but ruach/smoked beers fans will love this beer. Highly recommended!

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2010 19:52:50 | More by corby112

Arbitrator

California

4.03/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Jupiter in Berkeley.

I think I've heard that this beer is made from the second runnings of another beer. That came to mind as I was trying this. My guess is Serpent's Stout.

A: Pours a dark brown body, nearly black in the glass, but it reveals substantial ruby translucence around the edges. Half finger of light beige head; poor retention, only some initial lace and no more.

S: Chocolate, roast, toasted malt, coffee, nuts.

T: Initially a sweet melange of chocolate and toasted malt. It gets drier as the taste progresses, bringing in roast, nuts, and coffee bitterness. I find it surprisingly flavorful for the lack of sugars. Very solid.

M: A dry finish, with a slightly roasty aftertaste. Thin in viscosity, as I'd expect, but it has a lot of flavor.

D: I'd definitely have this again. On tap only, though.

Serving type: on-tap

05-24-2010 08:15:20 | More by Arbitrator

Seanibus

California

3/5  rDev -22.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer is interesting, but it is very far from refreshing.

Pours deep black with a slight head. Aroma is sweet, malty, and roasted, more like a porter. The flavor is malty, woody, surprising robust, with cherry and chocolate. This is much more like a porter. Mouthfeel is rich and milky.

Serving type: on-tap

05-16-2010 15:02:29 | More by Seanibus

champ103

Texas

3.65/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a dark brown, nearly black color. Some ruby highlights around the edges. A beige head forms, but recedes in a second. Light lace.
S: Lightly toasted malt. Mostly sweet caramel and some lingering spicy hops.
T: Follows the nose. Toasted malt and sweet caramel malt. A light hop flavor lingers.
M/D: A medium body with good carbonation. Creamy and smooth. Easy to drink. This is not hard to put back a few in a sitting.

Not bad at all. Nothing that jumps out though. Subtle and enjoyable. Worth a try if you see it.

Serving type: on-tap

05-07-2010 04:31:34 | More by champ103

rfgetz

New Jersey

3.85/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours a deep, dark brown with a khaki head leaving little lacing. Smell is of dark roasted malts, coffee beans, nuts, toffee. Taste is of bitter dark roasted malts and coffee, backed by a toffee sweet and nut flavor... borders on stout in its profile. Light bodied, almost watery and a slight bitter aftertaste. A nice brew... nothing spectacular but does a bolder version of the style well.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2010 15:13:16 | More by rfgetz

WOTO97

California

3.83/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This was a pretty interesting SChwarzbier. I was definitely expecting something a little lighter on the palate, but Midnight Sessions was relatively dense with some pretty vivacious malt character. Pours a dark char color with a cream head; nominal lacing. Lots of roasted malt character for the style with some pretty nice smoke notes as well. Just a hint of hop bitterness that balances the malt notes nicely. A bit less crispness than I was expecting, but the nose was still pretty pleasant. The body is pretty dense for the style with a nice smoke and roast quality to the malt. Although the hop qualities were not as pronounced to me as some other posts, enough bitterness was present to balance out the malt. All-in-all a really nice pour and light enough to make me want another once the first disappeared. I really like this one, but knock it a few points for being off style in my opinion.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

03-30-2010 18:29:06 | More by WOTO97

hooliganlife

Missouri

3.9/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

on tap at Jake Melnicks Corner Tap. Served in a room temp mug

pour was deep cola. light creamy cocoa head and nice retention. great lacing.

light roasted malts, a touch of sweetness, and like coffee.

a nice bold and flavorful lager. hints of smoke, roasted malts, light coffee, maybe some chocolate here and there, dark fruits. light bitterness through out with a great citrus mix of tangerine and grapefruit at the finish.

light body but fairly full. light to moderate carbonation.

this was super easy to drink, nice low ABV, great flavor with nothing really dominating. i drank this rather quickly.

Serving type: on-tap
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

03-14-2010 22:03:43 | More by hooliganlife

Stoneman78

California

3.98/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On draft at Lost Abbey, made from the second runnings of the mashed grains from Serpents stout . . .

Appearance is pitch black hue, minimal head and lacing

Smell is moderate coffee/espresso malts, hints of chocolate, roast, subtle grassy hops in the background

Taste is a nice blend of coffee and roast malts with grassy bitter hops, lager yeast and nuts peek through and the roast borders on a smoky sensation, finishes bitter

Mouthfeel is medium-bodied, creamy and smooth texture, mild carbonation

Drinkability is moderate, this is a solid lager from LA with a good malt profile, big coffee/roast/smoke works well for this style, the alcohol is well-masked, this hints at the quality and body the Serpents Stout will bring

Serving type: on-tap
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

03-16-2008 21:56:05 | More by Stoneman78

Tone

Missouri

3.66/5  rDev -5.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Pours a black color. 2/3 inch head of an off-tan color. Great retention and great lacing. Smells of roasted malt, sweet malt, hops, hint of smoke, and a hint of pale malt. Fits the style of a Schwarzbier. Mouth feel is smooth and crisp, with an average carbonation level. Tastes of roasted malt, sweet malt, hops, hint of smoke, and a hint of pale malt. Overall, good appearance and blend, but the bitterness that the roasted malts impart it too strong for a Schwarzbier.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

05-17-2013 15:29:19 | More by Tone

smiga

New Jersey

4.24/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

22 oz bottle in an assorted six-pack at WHOLE for $14.99 - great deal.

A - Very dark and handsome, between stout and black. A medium, soft, tan brown head. Looks and laces like a stout.

S - Boom! strong bouquet of mineral aromas; nicely bitter, oily, sensuous, appetizing. Some grassy sweetness and toasted, roasted grain.

T - Excellent taste. it's bitter, roasted, smokey, dark grains. Slight presence of charcoal and burnt wood in a good way. Beach bon fire, boardwalk. Also nutty and grainy, some one wrote like a bran muffin. Mineral, earthy, reminds me of my spring garden. Coffee and chocolate notes round out with sweetness but finishes nicely refreshing and dry. Complex. Good session or meditation beer. Good with food.

M - Despite complexity, there are no off or overpowering notes, and it feels smooth and drinkable. A great black lager meets stout. Easy going. Not overwhelming, but rewarding.

O - If you like stout, black beer, you must try this.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

05-17-2013 01:19:33 | More by smiga

BeerForMuscle

New Jersey

4.15/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

A - Somewhere between cola and black. A thin, soft, light brown head. Looks like a stout.

S - A strong bouquet of mineral aromas; smells of bitter, metallic mineral water. Some honey sweetness and dry roasted grain.

T - Definitely bitter, dry roasted, dark grains. Strong presence of charcoal and burnt wood. Is also nutty and grainy, like a bran muffin. It tastes like it was made from rich, raw mineral water. Mild, semi-sweet chocolate powder adds some sweetness before it finishes pretty dry.

M - For all of this flavor going on, it's quite smooth and drinkable. Typical of a schwarzbier, and that's why I love them. A rocking session beer.

O - I got this 1 pint 6 oz bottle for $2.99 at my local beer store, Jack's Wine Sense. Can't beat that.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

03-09-2013 04:25:37 | More by BeerForMuscle

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.84/5  rDev -1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

22oz Bottle from Bevmo La Quinta for 4.50$

Appearance - Dark brown colour with an average size fizzy/frothy beige head. I can't make out the amount of carbonation showing and there is some good lacing. The head lasted for 5-6 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Malts, chocolate, grains

Taste & Mouth - There is an average amount of carbonation and I can taste malts, chocolate, and coffee. There are also some smokey/burnt notes and a bit of a nuttiness. It ends with a chocolatey aftertaste with a lingering roasted coffee bitterness.

Overall - It smells like a Schwarzbier but has the flavour of a RIS or a porter. Regardless, it's very good and packed full of flavour.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

02-28-2013 03:55:48 | More by spinrsx

Philousa

California

3.3/5  rDev -15.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

Pours a dark black with a khaki, creamy head, fitting the style nicely. Coffee, light roast, cream soda, wheat bread crust, and bitter chocolate round out the aroma. Flavor starts with sweet chocolate, a hint of lactic sugars, turns quickly to bitter, burnt toast, and dark, slightly chalky chocolate. If there are hops in this, they are well hidden. I'm guessing earthy English hops, since I don't get any nectar you find in noble hops. Feel is creamy with a slight chalk to even it out. Finish is slightly dry. Loving all the diversity of flavors in this sessionable lager.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

02-18-2013 22:49:41 | More by Philousa

Jadjunk

Georgia

3.71/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

"It's not often that a great summer swell coincides with a full moon, but when they collide, nature affords us a rare opportunity to paddle out long after everyone has called it a day, these moments are a solitary pursuit with empty lineups, but those who carve graceful lines under a full moon understand how things can be dark, lonely and rewarding at the same time. So next time you paddle in from an overcrowded beach break, remember that nothing tastes better than a cold beer after a session. We suggest a glass of this smooth roasty black lager for contemplating empty lineups and waves that go on for days, most likely you'll long for epic summer swells under moon lit sessions opening the doors to isolation and empty secret spots of an age trying to pass us by..." Brewed in the style of a Schwarzbier (Black Lager). No bottle date, but this is their early winter seasonal release, possibly from late 2011. Purchased on discount from locals at Smokerise.

Poured from a 22 oz. bomber to a pint glass. Served north of 45º Fahrenheit.

(Appearance) Pours a brown creamy head of a large size over a very dark brown body, near black. Retention is quite nice and lacing is thin but consistent throughout. The appearance of this beer is quite exceptional for what could have been a very shallow dark lager. 4.5

(Smell) First impressions are faint chocolate malt and some black patent malt with a roasty sweet tone paired with a bread-like yeast character. There's some fruit here too- dark grapes and plum mostly, perhaps indicative of an overdue bottle to drink. It's largely in balance still, even without a significant hop aroma, there manages to be a bitterness to round out the mild sweetness. The aroma is clean and the potency is medium at best. At its age it's not ideal but it is certainly a decent smelling beer. 3.25

(Taste) Up front is most of the aged qualities- the rush of unexpected fruity esters and a touch of wet cardboard oxidation. It all fades away quickly leaving a clean, heavily roasted caramel and black malt blend, slightly dry but expected for the style. the finish is very enjoyable, a wonderful blend of black malt bitterness and mildly chocolatey roast, with a touch of syrupy sweetness that keeps balance in check. Drinkable throughout, although a little heavier in body than the average Schwarzbier. 3.75

(Mouthfeel) Crisp and slick with a touch of airy carbonation, it has a slightly dry finish. Body is medium+ for Schwarzbiers, light-medium amongst all beers. The carbonation is very good for the style, not overly busy but lively. Alcohol presence is medium at the highest. 4

(Overall) Out of the schwarzbiers that I have had, this one is certainly one of the better ones, even with some (obvious) age on the bottle, most of the flavors are well preserved and the beer is quite well balanced. Carbonation is present but not overdone and neither sweetness or bitterness take over the flavors, leading to a drink that specializes on drinkability, especially fitting since I'm here alone with an entire bomber of it tonight. Worth a shot if you find a well-priced bottle or if you enjoy a fully flavored, yet light bodied and drinkable beer. 3.75

Port Brewing Company's
Midnight Expressions Lager
3.71/5.00

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

01-27-2013 04:36:43 | More by Jadjunk

mltobin

Connecticut

3.74/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

I picked a bomber of this in Western Mass. Poured into a pint glass and it pours a black color with a thin light brown head, which continued to sit with a nice ring throughout consuming the beer. Its` nose has coffee, over cooked malts, some caramel. The taste is roasted malts, smoky, while a tad watery. Mouthfeel is very nice, it is creamy and finishes clean. All things considered, this is an enjoyable beer and while I was on the fence when I see it in the aisle (for the 10th time or something), I am glad that I finally picked it up on one of my infrequent visits to a bottle shop in my neighboring state to the north.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

01-09-2013 00:49:34 | More by mltobin

BeerDawgs

Georgia

4.23/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A 22oz bottle dated from 2011.

A - Pitch black, creamy looking, no clarity. No much head or lace, but this is what a Stout is supposed to look like

S - Roasted grain. Dark chocolate.

T - RIch. Caramel, sweet chocolate, coffee flavors. Damn tasty!

M - High in carbonation, smooth and oily. Excellent.

O - A great tasting, light, stout. I had this one after a Guinness, and it kicked the Guinness's butt. Very tasty and it won't knock you out like an imperial stout!

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

12-14-2012 01:35:09 | More by BeerDawgs

DocJitsu

California

3.05/5  rDev -21.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Pours an opaque black. No head at all. Mouthfeel is wet with slight carbonation. It could've been a bit creamier. Aroma is pretty disappointing. Smoky like a burnt piece of toast. Pretty weak flavor of dark roast malt. Some underlying notes of plasticky cream. I'll never make this mistake again.

Serving type: bottle
@ Pizza Port San Clemente, 301 N El Camino Real, San Clemente

12-09-2012 22:15:28 | More by DocJitsu