It's hard to really review Anchor Porter using conventional standards. Anchor Porter is not just an ale, Anchor Porter is an experience that transcends beyond space and time. Anchor porter pours a deep, thick, rich, sculpted head, just like the ale it hails from. It is truly unique, drawing on the natural carbonation from fermentation to glass. The malt character is sweet, but not too sweet, roasty, but not too roasty, bitter, but not too bitter, it is perfectly balanced in all respects. That is of course, why it is my favorite porter. In fact, Anchor Porter is the standard by which all porters are judged in my book. Anchor Porter comes from Anchor Brewing who I have written about before when reviewing their Liberty Ale, and when writing about my trip to their brewery.
They were also the first craft brewery that I came across that was doing spirits. No other brewery tour I have had even comes close to the visit to Anchor. Despite their large distribution of ale across the country, Anchor still has all those great things that you love about a small business. Great people, great service, and awesome beer. Like I said, it's hard to be objective when I talk about Anchor, I really can't say anything negative about them, which, coming from me is saying a lot. So sit back and enjoy an Anchor knowing that real American hard work, craftsmanship, and passion goes into every batch they brew. Here is to America, Craft Beer, and Anchor Brewing!
They were also the first craft brewery that I came across that was doing spirits. No other brewery tour I have had even comes close to the visit to Anchor. Despite their large distribution of ale across the country, Anchor still has all those great things that you love about a small business. Great people, great service, and awesome beer. Like I said, it's hard to be objective when I talk about Anchor, I really can't say anything negative about them, which, coming from me is saying a lot. So sit back and enjoy an Anchor knowing that real American hard work, craftsmanship, and passion goes into every batch they brew. Here is to America, Craft Beer, and Anchor Brewing!
Pepe Nero pours a translucent olive black, with minimal head. Presenting an oily aroma of burnt spice and Belgian yeast, it tastes much the same as it smells. The slight roasted smokey taste is quickly overcome by the peppercorn spiciness. While not something I would consider a session ale, it's something I would drink again on occasion. The only thing missing was the proper glass. I guess I best be getting some Belgian farmhouse ale glasses. 
Just last Thursday, Jay and I were visiting with the amazing Kosmicki at Founders tap room. Because he is just that kind of guy, the kind of guy who stops to chat with you about your favorite Founders Ale. I told him that KBS was just too over the top with coffee for me. I used to like it a couple of years ago when it seemed more balanced. I asked if they had changed the recipe, but he assured me that it has always remained the same. So maybe it's all in my head, but it seems to me that the 2011 KBS is the best in three years. The past two years just hit me with a huge coffee taste that overpowered every other aspect of the ale. But not this year, this year is perfect, it's that nice equal-lateral balance of malt and bourbon with a smooth balanced coffee character. Unfortunately this year KBS was extremely hard to find unless you happened to pre-order it from a retailer, which I had not. So in the end I found some, but not without some effort. 
Strawberry Jam
Today I brewed up a summer ale loosely based off of the 
