There is a large portion of beer drinkers that avoid any beer darker than amber. Some would suggest that there is nothing to fear about dark beer, but, in the Halloween spirit, we’re here to share a story of why you might reconsider your thoughts on “The Dark”.
On October 17th, 1814, in the St. Giles district of London, England, trouble was brewing at the Meux and Company Brewery. That afternoon, a 3,500 barrel (110,000 gallons) ruptured when the large metal rings, that held together the wooden vessel, failed and the resulting outpouring of beer compromised several other vessels before breaking through one of the brewery’s walls.
It’s said that more than 320,000 gallons of beer were released into the densely populated neighborhood. Measuring upwards of 15 feet, the wall of beer picked up and carried debris through the streets of London killing a handful and injuring many more. The brewery was eventually brought to court for the disaster, but the flood was ruled an “Act of God”.
So, before you sip into your next, or first, deliciously roasty porter, remember to approach with respect, lest you be caught in the next wave…
Here’s a few of our favorites we think are worth the risk:
Black Butte Porter (5.2% ABV)
Deschutes Brewery (Bend, OR)
At a time when “different” was a dirty word in beer, Deschutes decided to start a brewery with a porter as their flagship beer. The success of that brewery is due, entirely, to the people and their passion, but the beer being as good as it is must have made things that much easier. Black Butte has a touch of caramel/toffee sweetness and a roast character that leans more towards chocolate (cocoa) than coffee.
Porter (6.5% ABV)
Founders Brewing Company (Grand Rapids, MI)
The picture on the label seems welcoming, but Founders’s Porter is very American in approach. The roast is much more pronounced and all coffee, coupled with a more aggressive hop character, which makes this the “dark” you’ve been warned about.
Victory at Sea (10.00% ABV)
Ballast Point Brewing Company (San Diego, CA)
Dead men tell no tales…and added coffee means that much more dark, roasty goodness! The addition of vanilla, like in brownies, softens the roast and highlights the chocolate notes. This beer has a cult following and it might do you some good to join up!
