Beer Review: Short's Black Cherry Porter

Reviewing the Short's Black Cherry Porter from Short's Brewing Company.
Score: 70

Bottled on 10/31/11 bottle, served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 01/26/12.

Appearance: One finger of creamy dark tan colored head that settles into splotchy head in the center of the beer and a ring around the glass. Solid lacing followed by an oily film on the side of the glass. Black colored body with thin brown highlights at the top of the glass. 4/5

Smell: Roasted chocolate, creamy chocolate, black cherry and a little coffee. There is a light smokiness and a very very faint aromas of subtle blackberry. Aroma turns to sour fruit as it warms. 3/5

Taste: Taste is a lot "cherrier" and "blackberrier" than the aroma would have you believe -- both upfront and on the midpalate. Whereas the cherry aromas were complementary in the nose, they take the lead on the palate. A little tart and sweet, almost grape soda like, at first, but the cherry/berry flavors disappate towards the finish. Finish is straight charred chocolate and a hint of coffee. The front is very sweet and a little tart, but the finish is dry and a little bitter. 2.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-plus bodied, medium-plus carbonation. Finish is quite dry and a little bitter. 3/5

Overall: The aroma of this beer was quite inviting, but the flavor is too unbalanced. The berry/cherry/charred chocolate flavors meld well in the aroma, but they seem awkwardly juxtaposed and unbalanced on the palate.

Recommendation: An interested beer, perhaps worth having once, but this is not worth seeking out or buying a six pack of.

Pairings: The chocolate and cherry/berry flavors would make an interesting complement to a chocolate cake.

Cost: $10.99 for a six pack.