Stovepipe Porter -- Otter Creek (Middlebury, VT)

It's now summer here in Washington, DC... and that means it's really far too hot and muggy to be drinking heavier beers.  (DC is a pilsener town in the summer -- crisp and ice cold are the orders of the day.)  So I'm going out with a bang -- one of the most complex beers I've ever tasted.

Characteristics: Dark burnt brown color, medium to heavy body, rich toasted bitter finish over a swirling middle of baking chocolate and coffee, and a little bite or crispness delivered through subtle carbonation.

Minor Gripes: The richness can be overwhelming.  My first one was a real shock to the system -- perhaps because I drank it straight from the bottle and didn't give it any time to breathe.

Bottom Line: Once it's porter season in your neck of the woods, definitely seek out a six pack of this lovely beer.  I'm not sure why this beer doesn't qualify for the "Wolaver's" name (reserved for certified organics), but it's a winner.

Rating: 7.25 / 10

Technorati: Otter Creek, Porter, Middlebury, Vermont, Wolaver's