For today’s craft beer review I’m going to be trying the O’Fallon “Smoke” Smoked Porter brewed by the O’Fallon Brewery located in O’Fallon, Missouri.

Let’s bypass all of the small talk and jump right into the commercial description from the website, ofallonbrewery.com.

Dark, rich and smoky…this classic porter is brewed with 63% German smoked malt and makes a perfect after dinner (or anytime) sipper for those who love a “bigger” beer. Winner of the Gold Medal in the 2004 Great American Beer Festival® for best Smoked Beer in America!

Let’s taste it.

This brew has an ABV of 6.0% and it comes in a 12 oz. bottle.

The beer appeared a very deep, dark, brown to black color with a small outline of ruby at the bottom of the glass.  The collar was tan in color, full sized, smooth, creamy and soft.  The retention time was decent enough, however the lacing was only “so-so”.

The nose brought forth a pretty nice punch of smoke.  It smelled reminiscent of fried bacon fat and country ham.  The malts were well roasted and toasted and I gathered a light sweetness from some chocolate aspects.  Deeper into the aroma I discovered a delicate woody tone with impressions of buttermilk and an herbal reference.  Not bad.

The taste revealed reminders of the smoke by way of smoked pork.  Further aspects of chocolate and whole milk were found.  Like the aroma, it was well roasted and toasted.  Honestly, the taste didn’t seem all that complex or complicated.  It was fairly straight forward for the style.  Not that it’s a bad thing because sometimes I just want a flavor that is to the point.  It tasted pretty good actually.  It was well balanced and even.

The mouthfeel was medium, smooth, dry, slick, creamy and chewy.  As I got a little closer to finishing the glass I noticed that it started to thin just a little bit.  Other than that, it left a modest showing of flavor on the palate after the swallow.

You know, I really like this style of beer.  I totally respect and enjoy the aroma and taste of these beers, however the drinkability factor has never been that high for me.  One is about all I can withstand on any given night.  I will say that if you favor the style, don’t pass on the O’Fallon “Smoke” Smoked Porter because it is a very proper beer with plenty of that smokey goodness.  Personally, I don’t think this brew is quite on par with the Schlenkerla efforts, but it still has a sufficient amount of merit.

So, pick it up…. give it a taste…. and let me know what you thought of the O’Fallon “Smoke” Smoked Porter.

Thanks for reading and commenting guys.  I really appreciate it.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  3.75 out of 5
Grade:  B