Dirty Old Man Imperial Rye Porter - Tyranena Brewing Company

dustine

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Brownish-black with a little bit of a dark tan head. Pretty cool looking lacing that sticks for quite a while but doesn't follow you down the glass. Stouty.

S: Dark chocolate with a hint of coffee and the graininess from the rye.

T: Pleasant whiskey alcohol taste. More of that dark chocolate about halfway with an intense sweetness towards the end. Like eating chocolate chips straight from the bag. Satisfyingly bitter from the I-don't-know-what hops while I think the carbonation might also add to this; very sharp. As it warms, plum fruit becomes more apparent as it overtakes the chocolate.

M: Pretty well carbonated for a porter but a possible distraction from the other complexities here. The alcohol burn from the whiskey is super welcome as I've always been a fan of barrel-aged beers that really include the liquor feel. The taste lingers in your mouth for quite a while.

D: I would definitely drink several more of these in a sitting, but that's just the little chocolate-addicted alcoholic baby in me. The richness of the taste and the alcohol hint however might scare other pussies away into switching beers immediately.

Serving type: bottle

06-03-2010 00:50:48 | More by dustine

GeezLynn

Minnesota

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Pours a very dark black with a dirty white head that is short-lived.

Aroma is heavy on the chocolate and has the distinct earthy, musty character that rye can impart. More of a chocolate malt leaning porter than a roasted, coffee porter. Somewhat similar to chocolate chip cookies with a softer, milk chocolate smell that I would attribute to the barrel effect.

Light chocolate and caramel malt are the primary contributors to the flavor, which is also a bit more roasted than it smelled. In addition to a little coffee, there's also vanilla, wood tannin and a distinctive rye character. Like the aroma, I notice the barrel effect, but fail to pick up any whiskey. Would guess that is due to combination of the beer being a blend of barrel aged and non-barrel aged porter and having some age on the bottle.

Mouthfeel is smooth, but not really as thick or chewy as one might like to accompany the flavor. At worst, it seems at least adequate for a porter. Carbonation level is medium.

Overall, there are a few minor flaws you can find with this beer, but it hits the mark where it counts - flavor. Not much whiskey if that's what you're hoping for, but I love the rye contribution. Can't go wrong with Tyranena.

Serving type: bottle

10-25-2010 04:14:41 | More by GeezLynn

PTMcB

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

A - Black oil like poor with a chocolate tinted head. Very light head.

S - The smell is excellent and of chocolate.

T - Chocolate malty rye heaven! You can most certainly get the hint of whisky! Outstanding!

M - Smooth and creamy!

D - Surprisingly good for an American Porter. I think I could take on two of these in a row if I could get these anytime. But this is a beer soon to be extinct. I am proud to have had this special and unique drink. Thanks Duff!

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2010 03:39:44 | More by PTMcB

richkrull

Wisconsin

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had this on tap at the brewery today after work.

Poured a dark black color with a half finger of beige head on it. Some ok lacing as well. Smell is nice - some smoked rye and malt and a hint of coffee coming through. Taste is good as well. Heavy malt up front with some bitter coffee on the finish. Mouthfeel is very heavy. This is a thick beer but it tastes great and goes down smooth. I really like this beer a lot. Not sure if it's only served at the brewery but I'll be back again for this one.

Serving type: on-tap

04-20-2011 22:07:19 | More by richkrull

allengarvin

Texas

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A vigorous pour into my pint mug generated a thick, dense head that came right to the edge, and not over... like it was designed for this glass. A nice, persistent head as well. Good aroma, with lots of cocoa notes, and a touch of whisky... I like that it's not overpowering like many whisky-aged beers. Very solid taste. Caramel, chocolate flavor comes first, and is delightful. The malt is not overdone, and it balances pretty darn well despite the "over the top" image the label implies. Enough bitterness is present, both from the roast malt and the hops, that it dries out well in the middle.

The rye whisky flavor develops right at the end, and it's just an added bonus. This is probably the single best whisky-barrel aged beer I've had, since almost every other one hit you over the head with it. This allows it to be one taste component among many--among equals, I might say. I don't get any rye character, but that's ok. Rye malt is relatively subtle, and disappears into the background when other strong flavors are present. Definitely worth buying again.

Serving type: bottle

08-11-2011 02:07:52 | More by allengarvin

david131

Michigan

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Pours a very dark brown with some ruby highlights when held to a light. The mocha head is initially thick and creamy but settles to a thin covering.

S- Chocolate, smoke, cocoa, rye, and a touch of rye whiskey.

T- Same as the aroma with an emphasis on the rosary aspects. The rye whiskey barrel aspect is pretty mild.

M- Abundant carbonation keeps it light, but here is also a nice body to it. The finish has a lot of lingering flavors.

O- A very unique take on the style. I enjoy the lower alcohol barrel aged aspect to this beer. Drinks rather nicely.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2012 04:37:12 | More by david131

secondtooth

Indiana

4.35/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thick and black in appearance, with a slowly-rising head of tan bubbles. Spotty lace.

Nose has hints of chocolate and a little oak. Not bad, and not nearly as over-the-top as I'd expected. Nice.

Taste is big and malty sweet, with more of the chocolate tones up front. I get a little bit of the rye sharpness in there, too, but it's near the finish. Alcohol content is well-masked by the unusually well-balanced flavor profile.

A delicious and very enjoyable brew. Recommended!

Serving type: bottle

03-04-2012 06:27:19 | More by secondtooth

Dope

Massachusetts

4.34/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a nice pitch black with a small but dense medium brown head. Head fades slowly with decent retention. Spotty little bits of lacing.

S: Burnt rye bread initially. Pretty much dead on. Hint of rye whiskey when swirled, but very mild. It stands out a decent bit more once the beer has fully warmed. Decently charry.

T: Really nice flavor. Sweet chocolate with rye bread and a little rye whiskey all mixed together up front. Rye flavors fade, leaving the chocolate - a hot fudge type flavor. Yum. Quick hit of rye whiskey in the finish with a little bit of drying charred oak between sips.

M: Medium bodied, very very smooth and mellow. Feels bigger than it really is.

O: I was little underwhelmed at the aroma but the taste really opened my eyes. Nice flavors and great balance - especially the chocolate. Barrel character is mild but adds a subtle layer of complexity. Delicious beer, a great porter.

Serving type: bottle

05-17-2013 02:15:08 | More by Dope

Wasatch

Utah

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks goes out to Monsone for this brew.

Pours a nice black color, nice carbonation, nice little creamy tan head, which does leave some sticky lacing around. The nose is malty, very slight whiskey, toffee/coffee, and caramel. The taste is slightly sweet (very nice), vanilla, malts, whiskey (nice touch), and caramel. Medium body, the alcohol is hidden very well. Very drinkable, this is a tasty one, thanks Eric.

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2008 21:13:39 | More by Wasatch

Beertracker

Oklahoma

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tyranena's Dirty Old Man pours up with a certain intrepidity. The light to moderate carbonation creates a small creamish colored head that sits stagnite atop the dark brown-nearly black colored body. The roasted malt aroma is dominated by a big chocolate (café mocha, cocoa nibs, truffle) & caramel (brown sugar, butter toffee, crème brûlée) nut (Macadamia) presence with hints of Old Rip Van Winkle Bourbon, vanilla bean, licorice root, and charred oak. The big, roasty flavor starts fairly sweet, toasty, and nutty but eventually gives way to some earthy bitterness and drying rye character which brings balance to this adventurous brew. The lingering bittersweet chocolate finish is vinous & cheek warming. This medium-full bodied Baltic Porter is a "bold & ballsy" interpretation of the style that is worthy of the Brewer's Gone Wild! moniker. Definitely worth seeking out. This beer will leave you asking for a "sponge bath" you Dirty Old Man!"

CHEERS! Beertracker

*Taster's Note: Special thanks to ThomasHardy for the bottles.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2008 05:56:17 | More by Beertracker

flexabull

California

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle courtesy of warriorsoul, thanks again!

Pours a dark brown, almost black color, with a decent white head.

Aromas are of dark chocolates, booze, and dark fruits. Very nice nose on this one. It's a powerhouse of awesome smells.

Taste is big just the like the aromas. Starts with some oak and booze flavors. Then it settles into some dark bitter chocolates, sweet roasted grains, fruits, and some whiskey flavors. The spiciness from the rye is there as well, and helps balance out a lot of the sweetness. Finish is warm, and biting from the alcohol. This is a complex and tasty beer.

About my only nit pick with this one is the mouthfeel. It's not bad, but the finish is a little weak, and the beer feels a bit too watery for such a big flavorful porter. But it is quite smooth, and feels nice in the mouth. I'd give this a 3.75 if it was available... but I'll bump it up to 4.

Drinkability is good. This is an excellent take on the Baltic / Imperial Porter style. I'd happily drink another of these. Not in on setting though.

The is my first beer from Tyranena Brewing, and I'm impressed. I'll have to track some more of their beers down.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2008 02:50:29 | More by flexabull

Greggy

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- After a fairly vigorous pour I'm left with a 1 finger tan head. The body is black with no light showing through. As the head recedes, it leaves some lacing.

S- Very nice sweet chocolate, coffee, cream, vanilla, oak and whiskey/bourbon notes, although not clearly evident until I got further into the glass.

T- Starts with a dark chocolate and sweet bourbon notes then moves into mainly dark chocolate/coffee notes and then finally finishes with a fresh hopiness paired with chocolate. Sweet bourbon notes coat the palette after the long finish.

M- Low carbonation is in the right place. The sweet bourbon notes are nice on the palette.

D- This was a little bit more drinkable than the devil over the barrel but with a definite trade-off. The devil had a great deal more complexity so although this was easier to drink, I'd rather have the devil.

Serving type: bottle

10-07-2008 02:44:50 | More by Greggy

onix1agr

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12oz bottle poured into a penn pilsner pint glass. Bottled Feb 08, thanks to Goryshkewych.

A- Dirty Old Man is indeed dirty coming out of the bottle. Once poured it is a very dark brown bordering on black color. A lot of bubble action resulted in a 1 1/2 inch dark tan head that stuck around. Very condensed that left fuzzy lace after calming down.

S- Perhaps the year in the bottle calmed the scents down some as this was tame but still has the makings of a baltic porter. I got some dirty roasty malt backed with the rye with slight whiskey lingering. Also slight chocolate and old coffee. Maybe some dark berries? A lot of layers to this baltic porter.

T- A nice amount of the whiskey barrel is present & improves with warming as the rye kicks up a notch as well. Oak as well as vanilla which is always welcome by me. The rye is a nice offset to some of the more sweet factors of this beer. A lot of roasty factors come with this. I wonder what this tasted like fresh, as this gives off some heat towards the end. This is delicious beer.

M- Thick and lucious mouthfeel that is quite chewy at times. DOM is very rich with sweet tones creating a smooth texture. A little more carbonation would be nice but this will do. The combo of rye/whiskey creates a nice burn that does not distract. I want to gulp this but sippin is quite fine.

D- Not sure of the ABV on this but I wish I had more. This is my first in this series and it left a great impression. Dirty old man is a nice sweet baltic porter with a identity of it's own with the Rye/Whiskey mix but drinks with a smoothness making you want more.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2009 07:02:31 | More by onix1agr

ccrida

Oregon

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

12 oz. bottle (big thx to milwaukeeclassic!) poured into my Deschutes snifter, Dirty Old Man is a super dark garnet/brown, with a tan head that leaves decent lace.

Smell is sweeter crystal malt and bourbon, with clean alcohol vapors coming out as it warms.

Taste is also rather malty, a bit strong on the iced tea notes I get from crystal, but with strong rye whiskey notes and a really nice, light smokiness, and spicy rye finish. Frankly, they could have marketed this as wee heavy or old ale, these strong dark American style barrel aged beers are pretty much a style of their own. This one really grew on me by the finish though, very nice, in spite of my preference for more chocolate then caramel notes in a strong porter.

Mouthfeel is pretty smooth, really lush, creamy carbonation, medium body, slightly dry, tannic finish.

Drinkability is pretty good. Not my favorite of the Tyranena's Duane hooked me up, I'd like more vanilla from the barrels and chocolate from the malts, but for what it claims to be, an Imperial Rye Porter aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels, it's really a tasty beer that I'd be happy to have again.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2009 02:11:06 | More by ccrida

jaxon53

Connecticut

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Can't remember who sent me this beer, thank you to whoever it is. Served this at cellar temperature, in a snifter, from a stubby, twelve ounce brown bottle.

Appearance: Dirty Old Man pours out a thick looking, deep black. Absolutely no light could pass through this black mass of a beer. A hard pour resulted in about a half inch of tan head, that was a bit fluffy. Head faded quickly into a thin brown ring. Some streaky, thin lace was left behind.

Smell: Awesome nose. Faintly resembles Bourbon County Stout. Strong whiskey aroma with hints of charred wood. Touches of chocolate and coffee. Has a nice roasted malt aroma behind the whiskey. A bit of booze rounds out the nose.

Taste: Quite boozy out front. Definitely taste the whiskey, followed by oak and char. Sweet roasted malt flavor seems to cut into the whiskey, taming it a bit. Hints of bitter dark chocolate and black coffee linger in the background. Finishes warm with another shot of whiskey. Quite smooth.

Mouthfeel: Thinnish, medium body. Lower carbonation fits this beer perfectly. Almost silky.

Drinkability: Drinks nicely. A bit boozy, but nice. Very smooth.

Serving type: bottle

12-05-2009 21:14:41 | More by jaxon53

shadow1961

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tyranena Dirty Old Man Imperial Rye Porter pours a disk of tan foam over a thick, inky black brew. Nose is powdery chocolate, coffee and molasses notes. The flavor is rich semi-sweet dark malts, rye bread, mocha, coffee, and dark fruity notes, with a bit of charred toast (in a good way), off the back for balance. Mouthfeel is round and velvety, with a dry-ish nutty aftertaste. This is the absolute best Tyranena I've ever had. I feel that in the past they've tended to go a little too strong on the hops in some of their offerings- but in this case they wisely let the malts tell the tale (as they should), with just a little roasty bitterness for balance. Really outstanding- get some while you can!

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2010 06:15:19 | More by shadow1961

womencantsail

California

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks to Alicia for this one. I've yet to have a bad Tyranena beer so I had been looking forward to this one.

A: The beer pours a very dark brown color, nearing black in the right lighting, with a modest brown head.

S: Plenty of roast and coffee on the nose. A nice hit of chocolate and maybe even a bit of smokiness as well. The rye provides an interesting spicy quality, but I don't pick up the whiskey too much.

T: The barrel aged portion comes through more in the flavor. A hint of vanilla goes well with the heavy roast, chocolate, and coffee flavors. A nice balance of sweet and bitter.

M: The body is maybe a bit on the thin side for what you would expect from an imperial porter, but a low smooth carbonation redeems things on the mouthfeel.

D: Another Tyranena beverage that does not disappoint. Glad I have another one of these to enjoy at a later date.

Serving type: bottle

06-10-2010 16:25:37 | More by womencantsail

jjanega08

Minnesota

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4.5

A= The pour is a total black out color with a thin tan head coming out of it yet holding some pretty steady retention and lacing. Much darker than I expected.

S= Smells sort of like candy. Waxy in a way if that makes sense. There is a great deal of vanilla to it that I get from the barrel. It smells very very familiar but I can't quite put my nose on it. There isn't a ton of rye spice but it comes through a bit. Chocolate is in it. interesting.

T= The taste has much more rye spice to it as well as vanilla. The factor that I couldn't figure out in the nose is gone from the taste. Loads of vanilla still as well as a great deal of barrel and oak to it. Great roastyness for a porter and actually suprisingly porter like for being an imperial. I love my porters but I think they loose a little when you imperialize them. Not much whiskey to it at all. Tyranena does a real nice job with their barrels I think.

M= A little thin on the mouth but nothing too bad.

D= This is a really great brew. I'm impressed all around with it. The individual aspects of it lead the way for each new part. The porter is well represented as well as the rye and barrel. This is the rare example of a complex beer actually working in harmony.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2010 05:40:48 | More by jjanega08

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

aggressive pour into a snifter glass.

Appearance: dark brown to black in color. Mocha brown head and solid lacing that sticks to the glass.

Smell: Coffee, whiskey, and rye.

Taste: Slightly bitter coffee that is balanced by sweet tastes of whiskey and vanilla. Even the rye is a player, with subtle hints lingering in background. Hints of dark chocolate or bittersweet chocolate. The bitterness continues through entire taste of the beer, but it stays balanced with the sweet flavors of vanilla and whiskey. Bitterness does not overwhelm at any time.

Mouthfeel: Smooth smooth beer! Moderate carbonation and almost a full bodied beer, but moderate body for sure.

Overall: Tyranena is brilliant with Brewers Gone Wild series. They pack so much flavorful into these beers in this series that are smooth and balanced. It is the essence of what wisconsin beers are all about. Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

03-23-2011 04:57:07 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

Bighuge

Minnesota

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The black beer erects a good sized brown cap of froth. The retention is outstanding as are the lacing properties. I like the nose quite a bit. Lots of chocolate notes and fudge and tootsie roll like characteristics. Light scents of whiskey add a nice little accent as well. Chocolate is pretty huge on the palate as well. Definitely the dominant flavor characteristic. A little roasted and rye bitterness in the aftertaste. Whiskey is subtle, but nice nonetheless. A little bit of vanilla comes out every once in a while. And alcohol is only slightly noticeable. The body is medium or so and the liquid flows naturally over the tongue giving a very polished feel to it.

Serving type: bottle

02-28-2008 03:30:03 | More by Bighuge

patrick16o

Wisconsin

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Same sunflower yellow bottle labels as the rest of the "Brewers Gone Wild" series of beers. Dirty old stick figure man says "Gimme a sponge bath!"

Statement of Composition:
40% Malt Beverage aged in Rye Whiskey Barrels
60% Malt Beverage

Pours a rich black color, hints of deep reds are visible when the beer is thinned out. Rather shallow tan crown

Strong aroma, lots of dark chocolate flavors, cherry, alcohols.

Delicious, rich complex flavor, with similarities to an imperial stout. Roasted malts, a definite rye whiskey character, and dark chocolate flavors. Some alcohol at the end along with a bit of oak barreled aftertaste. Good full body beer. Very tasty.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2008 03:53:51 | More by patrick16o

capra12

New York

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Special thanks to Speedwayjim for this one, Thanks buddy.

Poured into an East End pint glass.

Apperance: Pours a dark MOHAGUNDY, with 1 finger of head that dissiaptes slowly leaving a film of head.

Smell: Whoa.. dark roasted malts with hints of coffee, and dark chocolate.

Taste: Reflects the nose, opens with a almost iced coffee with a shot of dark malts and toffee. The rye in this really comes through in the middle to end as a malty dark grain finishes this brew leaving a coffee and malty aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied with moderate carbonation and smooth with a drying finish,

Drinkability: I would definitely have this again, and recommend this to rye and porter lovers.. great blend of the two flavor profiles.

Serving type: bottle

04-30-2010 03:44:58 | More by capra12

Kbogac

Illinois

4.3/5  rDev +3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a Sam Adams glass. Dark brown, completely opaque. Nice light brown foam that dissolves to a ring and some film. Minimal lacing.

Smell is rich chocolate, roasted malt and bourbon.

Taste is up from roasted malt. Nice caramel, vanilla and bourbon. Very light alcohol towards the end. Kind of a chocolate finish.

Mouthfeel is thick and creamy. Light carbonation. Nice.

Overall outstanding beer. Wonderful flavors throughout.

Serving type: bottle

03-05-2012 03:23:28 | More by Kbogac

dirtylou

Washington

4.28/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

12oz single, got a 4 pack at the lovely Steve's on University

appearance: flashy yellow label per the usual, poured into a snifter, dark mahogany body, nice tan head and solid retention

smell: dark chocolate, big roasty aromas, whisky, a touch smoky

taste: comparisons can be made to the "who's your daddy porter" - but this one definitely has some toasted rye buried beneath providing a touch bitter kick, dark chocolate, caramel, whisky, more caramel...quite tasty

mouthfeel: smooth medium body, bitter tones

drinkability: good

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2008 00:18:50 | More by dirtylou

feloniousmonk

Minnesota

4.28/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Dirty Old Man
"Gimme A Sponge BAth!"
Nearly turning the corner on 40, I wonder if this is where I'm headed...et tu, Rob?

Dark brown in color, beautiful,. toasty tan head keeps command above...lovely looking...

I get the rye, roasty and dry...nicely toasted. Dusted cocoa powder...

Taste: a chocolate bomb, with a muted explosion, dry rye reigns it in. Simply put: someone put peanut butter in my chocolate!
Cool, classical, and utterly satisfactory...not too sweet, not too rich, but with very prominent booziness.
Rye porters seem to be the way to go...put some in a whiskey barrel and you've got me on a leash!
Cool...lightly sweet, big time dry, full on flavor, expanse satisfaction.
Hotcha!

Serving type: bottle

03-21-2008 07:14:04 | More by feloniousmonk