Nez chocolat, goût très prononcé....

Aside from constant shoveling, it's a pleasure to watch the winter wrap the world in a sparkling duvet of frozen quietude. Silent except the grumble of snow plows and crackle of the fire, and a happy sigh as I pop the cap on this aptly titled porter. Perfectly colored, appearing black and allowing only the very faintest glimmer to highlight a rich redness under scrutiny of the flashlight test. When poured aggressively it realeases a massive mocha head. The second one I poured gently produced a more mousse like head. Chocolate as heavy as the snow is the predominant aroma offered up. Layers of it in fact. Dark, milk, and cocoa. A creaminess lends to the illusion of an actual hot chocolate. It doesnt quite pull off the illusion though as there are also some roasty and coffee notes that brings bitterness. It's not off putting but doesnt really match what I was hoping for. The flavours are rich and much the same as what the nose reports. The beginning of the sip delivers more of a hot chocolate like taste that eventually gives way to a hefty roast note. There is a tingle on the tongue and a definite flavour from the hops. It isn't bad but I would like to have had less hops. Over all an enjoyable and satisfying porter.