Beer Review: Eugene

Reviewing the Eugene from Revolution Brewing Company.
Score: 87

12 oz self pour from a 24 hour old growler from the Revolution Brewpub. Served in a pint glass and enjoyed on 02/24/12.

Appearance: Pours a coffee color with dark caramel colored highlights atop the glass with half a finger of tan creamy head that quickly settles into a thin ring around the glass. Below average, oily lacing with minimal retention. 3.5/5

Smell: Smooth roasted coffee, oak, caramel, roasted chocolate malt, a little nuttiness and an aroma I can only describe as "cream." Some marshmallow too. 4/5

Taste: Quite roasty. Rich and silky roasted chocolate malt and oak throughout. Toffee, pecan, and a little caramel. There are intermittent waves of raw coffee bean flavor. The flavors seem "soda like" and a little syrupy at points, though it's not a "thick" flavor profile. Very flavorful for a porter. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Medium-light bodied with a light, but perky, amount of carbonation. Soda-like mouthfeel. Bittersweet finish. 3.5/5

Overall: As far as everyday porters go, this one is pretty roasty and fantastic. Alas, for all the flavors, this beer seems a little too thin on the palate and a touch too sugary at moments for my tastes. Take that criticism with a grain of salt, however, because I personally prefer fuller mouthfeels for my dark and roasty beers. Not everyone else does. Without a doubt, Eugene is one of the best porters that I have ever had. This is a brew worth seeking out, especially if you like the style, and it puts beers like Guinness to shame.

Recommendation: This is a mass-appeal beer with plenty of flavor. Grab a pint of this next time you are in Chicago.

Pairings: Tea poached pears soaked in homemade chocolate sauce (courtesy of Catie Sesler).

Cost: $18 for a 64 oz growler.