Porter - Russian River Brewing Company

Arbitrator

California

4.38/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the RR brewpub on Dec. 18th. From notes.

A: Pours a dark, but ultimately clear, burnt brown color that leans toward black in the center of the glass where it is thickest. The server brings it with a finger of tan head that retains excellently while I work on something else. In all, probably about 10 minutes of retention, and it leaves suds down the glass to boot. Wow.

S: Roasted grain is very strong in the nose; it's chocolatey second, with a bitter earthiness that follows behind. Very pungent and bold.

T: Like the nose, it begins with a rich, roasted flavor that transitions beautifully into bittersweet cocoa and a not-insubstantial coffee element. The hops are well chosen here, and they close out the flavor with a dry bitterness that pulls into the finish to couple with more roast. Despite this, the overall impression is one of sweetness, and even the girlfriend enjoyed this very much.

M: Smooth and creamy. Fuller-bodied than medium, and a tad thicker than I was expecting. It finishes nicely and is easy on the aftertaste.

D: Very high. It's really damn tasty for a 6% porter. I always talk about the RR sours and IPAs; where the hell has this one been and why didn't anyone tell me about it?

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2009 21:03:02 | More by Arbitrator

bulletrain76

California

3.9/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Draught at the brewpub. Dark brown with a beige head. Creamy chocolate and roasted malt aroma. Lots of chocolatey and toasty malt flavors with a hoppy, bitter finish. Medium bodied with medium carbonation. A really tastey, hoppy take on porter, though it might be even better with a beefier malt profile.

Serving type: on-tap

11-10-2009 08:11:50 | More by bulletrain76

mjl21

California

4.38/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the brewpub. Poured into a pint glass. Comes in at 42 IBUs and 6.30%.

A-When presented, it is very dark. Due to the dim lighting in the brewpub, I could not tell if it was dark brown or black. Has a really nice fluffy one finger tan head that sticks around. Lacing covers a huge portion of the glass.

S-Lots of roasted malt, coffee, and chocolate are to be found. Being as it is from RR I also get some pine and citrus hops.

T-The hops present in the nose are upfront, but quickly give way to the malt. The sweet and roasted malt play very well off of each other. It is quite reminiscent of a good cup of coffee cut with some cream, sugar, and a tad bit of chocolate.

M-Full bodied and smooth from the nice amount of head that sticks around.

D-I put into my iPhone notes under this category that it is a damn good porter. I think that about sums it up.

I really dug this beer. You don't think of porters and stouts when you think of RR, but this one delivered. A growler of this will be picked up in the near future.

Serving type: on-tap

06-25-2009 00:19:26 | More by mjl21

mikesgroove

South Carolina

4.72/5  rDev +10%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

First off a big thanks to Adam for sending this one my way, and a big thanks to Masterski for telling me I needed to track this one down! Served cold and poured into a pint glass, I enjoy this one as I type on 06/24/2009.

Fantastic pour here. Perfect in every way for the style. Deep, dark brow, which is essentially black with only the slightest bit of dark chocolate highlights peaking through. A huge head of tan forms on top and only slightly settles into a thick cushion with soo much side glass lacing, it is literally absurd. Rich aroma of cocoa, light notes of coffee and a touch of molasses. As it warms some light tobacco, and peat notes start to perk out, roasted malts at their finest, but no sign of the hops as of yet. As I go in for a sip the smooth, creamy, rich feel of this one really starts to bowl me over. Stuck somewhere between a porter and a mil stout, it is sublime. Rich cocoa just spreads over the tongue from the very first sip. Light touches of vanilla, molasses and a touch of roast coming through nicely. Then it hits, a smack of of piney hops as the flavor fades. Long notes of dark chocolate linger long after the last sip.

Hot damn I am glad I got ahold of this one. One of the best, most easily sessionable and richest tasting porters I have ever come across! Go get this one

Serving type: growler

06-24-2009 23:55:26 | More by mikesgroove

dukedevil0

Illinois

4.28/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Super thanks to Alex (masterski) for contributing the growler to my first new beer Sunday.

A: pours a dark brown with a nice khaki head and a little lacing in the glass.

S: smells surprisingly like some hops, some chocolate, roasted malts, slight coffee

T: tastes initially like chocolate, then some hop profile that is muted but bitter, slight coffee finish

M: pretty typical for a porter, creamy enough but not thick

D: easy to drink because there's zero alcohol flavor, it tastes solid enough to want to drink more

Serving type: growler

05-18-2009 00:01:32 | More by dukedevil0

MasterSki

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Big thanks to Adam for sending me a growler of this brew - it seems to have been on-tap for a while at Russian River, but there are very few reviews so far. Served in my Surly pint glass.

A - Two and a half fingers of frothy mocha foam that has excellent retention and nice lines of lacing. Transparent dark brown-black color with lovely ruby highlights when held up to the light.

S - Dark malt roastiness, bittersweet chocolate, coffee, but a surprisingly high-presence floral hop character that surpasses the listed 41 IBUS. Reminds me of the dark IPAs I've tried - Iniquity/SSR sort of thing. Really potent!

T - There's a citrus hoppiness that comes out here that isn't really present in the smell - some tangerine-like notes. There's also a healthy complement of baker's chocolate, maltiness, (although not quite as roasty as the smell), and just hint of the coffee flavor. Very nicely balanced - it isn't the richest flavor but it's highly satisfying for an American Porter.

M - The mouthfeel is probably the least satisfying part of the brew - I wish I'd gotten to try this one on cask. It's a little bit thin, but thankfully not overcarbonated. There's also a bit of grittiness that is reminiscent of drinking powdered cocoa.

D - This is incredibly drinkable stuff - one person could easily kill this growler. Not harsh bitterness, great flavor, low ABV, moderate carbonation - all the things I want from a session porter.

It's lovely to see Russian River doing something different in style, and kicking ass while doing so. Highly recommended.

Serving type: growler

05-17-2009 20:05:08 | More by MasterSki

Offa

California

4.33/5  rDev +0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

This is a characteful, very solid, well-rounded porter that is fairly standard yet very well made.

Black, it has a medium-small tan head slowly shrinking to a wispy ring and leaving a little lace.

The aroma is dark toast, roasted coffee, prunes. It's good but pretty simple and standard.

The taste is fuller and more interesting, sweet and bitter in good balance, with both dark and milk chocolate, toasty character, light prune elements, hints of spice, licorice and pepper. It is not very complex, but has good complexity and the overall character is assertive while still being restrained, holds up well, and is well-integrated and balanced. It is very drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

05-01-2009 17:57:06 | More by Offa

macktbone

California

4.55/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

This was a last minute decision at the brew pub and I'm glad I chose this style. Not something I normally get into but this is such a great standard.

A- beautiful milky head. Dark with slight red hue at the top.

S- Smokey malt and raisins. Smells like the ocean and drift wood.

T- BBQ smoke, hoppy middle with a very woody end.

M- good balance of cosistant head with thick body.

D- the lace on the glass and aroma keep you returning to search for more and more. 42 ABU's gives you the hoppy edge I appreciate and the 6.35% ABV allows for the ability to have more than one.

Enjoy this while it still lasts. Even for those not normally attracted to the breed may want to give this one try.

Serving type: on-tap

03-14-2009 19:55:41 | More by macktbone

largadeer

California

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Notes from a couple weekends back, enjoyed on tap at the brewpub.

Appearance: Dark brown/black, no transparency I could see. 1/2 inch of creamy white head that left wisps of lace.

Smell: Roasted grain and cacao, dry and bitter, earthy. Bold for a porter.

Taste & mouthfeel: Rich, earthy and dry. Roasted barley meets coffee and baker's chocolate. Not terribly sweet, and full on the palate for the style. Bittersweet earthy finish with lingering roastiness. Very good stuff, one of the best American porters I've tried.

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2009 05:26:33 | More by largadeer

JWD

California

4.13/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the younger/consecration release,

A- Black and very inviting, nice medium tan head that disipated fairly quick.

S- Very robust, i have had founders porter lately and this is the benchmark!! Close but not quite!!

T- Good but once again second to the founders offering.

M- Good but not very thick, however let a very flavorful leftover in the mouth/palate!!

D- Great, i could drink this all day long, just not he best when i thin of a robust porter.

WHEN IS RR GOING TO MAKE A BIG RIS???? THEY NEED THIS!!!!

Serving type: on-tap

02-04-2009 04:38:48 | More by JWD

antilogic

California

4.55/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Served on tap at O'brien's TION night in a 10oz taster.

One of the few RR beers with a very generic name, but don't let that fool you. The beer is a standout for its style, a very drinkable porter. Aromas of roasted malts, dark chocolate. Head was light tan, creamy, surprisingly thick body. Good stuff.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2009 06:09:34 | More by antilogic

abfraser

California

4.43/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Currently on tap at Toronado in SF. Glad I stumbled on to this one. Perhaps one of the most well-made "regular" porters I've had.

A: Basically black, with a big thick frothy white head.

S: Classic porter aromas of chocolate and coffee.

T/M: Rich and robust coffee and chocolate flavors. Has the perfect amount of carbonation so it never becomes too intense on the palate. Good creamy mouthfeel.

D: The definition of drinkable for a porter.

This is just classic. I didn't know Russian River made this but I'm now glad to know they do.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2009 03:31:30 | More by abfraser

MisterClean

California

4.4/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Vinny's place.

A - Pours a dark mahogany, four fingers, and takes forever to dissipate. Leaves some nice lacing too.

S - Coriander, clove, light roast coffee, and toffee.

T - Chocolate, coffee, grassy hops, just really good.

M - Very filling, full mouthfeel.

D - So good for a porter. Not overly hoppy either.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2009 17:49:57 | More by MisterClean

willjschmidt

California

4.5/5  rDev +4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Served on-tap in a pint glass at the Toronado in SF.

A: Black as night with an excellent head.

S: Burnt coffee with a hint of chocolate.

T: A very, very good porter. Roasted coffee, smokiness, a bit of chocolate with a bitter finish.

M: Creamy, smooth, medium-bodied.

D: A great porter, I'd like to see this around more often.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2009 01:40:33 | More by willjschmidt

Overlord

California

4.55/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Holy shit, how do I get more of this beer! On-tap at Toronado currently. Perhaps my new favorite porter, and a complete standout.

Pours an awesome black color with a dark tan head. This is a porter? Obsidian black.

Stouty, cocoa-esque chocolate, coffee roastiness ... great creamy mouthfeel, one of the best for the style I've ever had (it's not a thick, chewy stout, but for a porter, it's robust, creamy, and smooth) ... mmmm.... The flavor is great, and while it smells good, the aroma definitely doesn't clue you in on the robust taste you're about to enjoy.

Surprisingly thick. Really more stout than porter.

Serving type: on-tap

01-14-2009 08:20:21 | More by Overlord

xhcadamx

Maine

4.45/5  rDev +3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - As black as they get for a robust porter. slight brown at the edges only if held up to light. Nice tan head with EXTREME lacing.

S - Coffee, Chocolate, and a little burnt malt. Smells delicious

T - Lots of coffee upfront with some chocolate. Very bitter at the end.

M - Surprisingly thin for the flavor but very welcomed as thick chewy beers get tiresome to drink

D - I had three at the brewpub and it was time to go. I wish I could have had three more

I love porters and stouts but I end up getting tired of the sweetness. This beer had the perfect amount of bitterness.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2008 02:05:19 | More by xhcadamx

BrewerB

California

4.8/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap at Triple Rock in Berkeley, CA.

Appeared a night black color with a light tan head. Great foam retention.

Aroma included hints of coffee, light smoky/charcoal, chocolate, and plenty of roast. Mild hop presence but I couldn't pick out the nuances.

Deliciously roasty and robust with loads of coffee and chocolate flavor. Moderate level of bitterness paired nicely with the malt backbone.

Medium/medium-full body, moderate carbonation, smooth.

Were my brother and I not on a time crunch, I'd have loved a couple more pints. Easily one of the better robust porters I've sampled.

Serving type: on-tap

12-22-2008 01:28:07 | More by BrewerB

Gusler

Arizona

4.38/5  rDev +2.1%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Draught @ O’Brien’s San Diego
The beer in its comforting pint glass appears black as midnight, the head a soft chocolate crown, the lace a concealing curtain to drape the glass. Nose is sweetly malt, nicely toasted grain, fresh and inviting with the start sweet and malty, top is moderate in feel. Finnish is benign in its acidity, the hops delectable, dry and somewhat sweet aftertaste, a damn good porter in my book, and had to have three or four pints as it’s just too good to pass up.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2004 19:55:59 | More by Gusler