Steelhead Scotch Porter

You got Scotch in my Porter!

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

del.ico.us | digg it! | reddit!

print | email | 0 Comments

Mad River Brewing Co. has been brewing some solid brews out of Humboldt County in California since 1989. Although distribution in Massachusetts has been spotty over the last decade, it appears that they're back in town—hooray beer!— with malty and hoppy goodness like Steelhead Extra Pale Ale, Extra Stout, and Double IPA, Jamaica Red Ale and Sunset IPA, and one of our favorite beers with a personality complex: Steelhead Scotch Porter.

Scotch Porter? Yeah, that's what you get when you blend an English Porter (dark and robust) with a Scotch Ale (sweet and caramely), and then decide to add some Scottish peated malt (intensely smoky) and German rauch malt (smooth and smoky) to further confuse palates around the world. That said, some of the most confused beers tend to be the tastiest.

The Taste

Pours a dark, rich opaque brown with a brief cascading carbonation effect that produces a thick, creamy beige head that sticks to the glass and retains a healthy looking lace. Brown breads, fresh malted milk and a soft smoky and roasted malt aroma. Full, even, thick body with a smooth mouthfeel and prickly carbonation around the edges that helps lifts things a bit. Sweet upfront—not overwhelming though—with caramel candy, carob and buttered brown bread. A bit robust and roasty, with some mild coffee notes too. Throughout the experience there's a slight tangy smoke character, hint of char, and a smoothed out peat that's laid down on the foundation. Hop character is moderate, with some spice, leaf and slight citric snap that rides off the carbonation. Finishes with a semi-Bourbonesque quality (less heat), followed by dry lingering grain, carob and a soft peat linger.

Final Thoughts

Last time we tried this beer was back in 2003. Although things seem to have been refined, that's not necessarily a bad thing as the beer remains unique, complex and fun on the taste buds. If you're a fan of Porters, Scotch Ales, Bourbons or any combo of the three ... you need to buy and try this beer.

And since we're smack in the middle of grill season, we have to mention that this beer is screaming to be paired with something charred. The first thing that comes to mind is pairing this with a meaty hunk of salmon or chunky veggies on the grill. We also highly recommend sacrificing some Scotch Porter as a reduction for use as a glaze or sauce to tie the flavors together. Simply add olive oil, a dash of sea salt and a touch of your favorite hot stuff and reduce. Grill your meat, coat it, crack open another bottle to drink with and enjoy!

FOR MORE INFO: MADRIVERBREWING.COM

Note: While parts of their website haven't been updated since 2006, check out their "zero waste" page.

FOR MORE BEER EDUCATION: BEERADVOCATE.COM

RESPECT BEER.