Hoppin’ Frog Brewing Company of Akron, Ohio dares to call this a smooth Porter.

It may technically be a Porter, and it is somewhat hoppy, but it’s not what I would call “silk” smooth.

I know I’m kind of jumping the gun here, but I’ve been drinking some extremely good Porters lately, and this isn’t one of them.  If it didn’t actually say “Porter” on the label I never would have guessed that is what it is supposed to be.

Being that Porters have a distinctive flavor, this doesn’t bode well for Hoppin’ Frog’s brews.  It’s the first one of theirs I’ve tried and it may well be the last.

To be fair: compared to most mortal beers, those mass produced in giant factories squeaking with mechanical parts and puffing with steam, this would by comparison blow them away.  It starts off with a mild but distinct hoppy bite, quickly subdued by toasted malts and then a swelling of muted caramel.  A final note of bitterness finishes the taste, which – again, by industrial brew standards, would be smooth – and then the palate is left somewhat clear, and ready for the next.

Were this a cheap beer (which it isn’t) I would cut it quite a bit of slack.  But since I paid a good chuck of cash for it, I won’t.

It’s good but not groovy, and definitely not a Holy Beer Contender.

No Comments »