Reviewing the Dirty Old Man Imperial Rye Porter from Tyranena Brewing Company. This beer is billed as a "imperial rye aged porter aged in rye whiskey barrels."Score: 91
Bottled April 08, 2011. Served in a small pour brandy snifter and enjoyed on 01/31/12.
Appearance: Pours a jet black color with a finger of creamy tan head that slowly settles into a ring around the glass. The beer is opaque with a microscopic thin layer of brown highlights atop the glass when held up to light. Average lacing as the beer is consumed, though the receding head from the pour left a solid coating of creamy lacing along the side of the glass. 4/5
Smell: Cocoa nibs, creamy chocolate, acidic used coffee grounds, and rye. Astringent "whiskey alcohol" esters round out the nose, but it's not a boozy nose. 4/5
Taste: Loads of chocolate flavors and roasted malt with a rye finish. A light amount of dark roast coffee comes out on the midpalate and towards the finish. The chocolate flavors seem like a blend of milk chocolate, dried cocoa mix and chocolate milk. A very mellow Jack Daniels-like whiskey flavor lingers in the background of the finish along with creamy raw chocolate. The whiskey flavors are very subtle and complementary. Absolutely no alcohol is present in the taste, which was surprising given the "warm" alcohol esters of the aroma. 4/5
Mouthfeel: Medium-plus mouthfeel, very light carbonation. Mouthfeel is smooth, rich and creamy. The mouthfeel seems to get thicker and creamier as the beer layers. Finishes dry and a touch bitter. 4.5/5
Overall: Easily the best beer that I have ever had from Tyranena, ahead of Hop Whore and Bitter Woman IPA. I am going to have to go back to the store and buy the rest of this currently out of production brew.
Recommendation: Fans of porters and stouts should seek this one out. This is one of Wisconsin's better craft beers.
Pairings: Roasted marshmallows or vanilla cake.
Cost: $2.99 for 12 oz bottle.
No comments:
Post a Comment