Who would have thought to combine honey and a dark beer? I’m glad you asked. That would be Sam Adams, who is currently the largest independently own American brewery to date. This took place after Anheuser-Busch was bought by InBev, a Belgium based conglomerate months ago. I digress.

Allow me to sweet talk you into trying one of my favorite beers for the cold winter months. Sam Adams Honey Porter is packed with flavor, complexity, and enough sweetness to make Walter Payton jealous (too soon). It pours a deep mahogany color with substantial tan head. The aroma is of highly roasted/lightly burnt grains. This lends various coffee, chocolate, and dark toffee notes as you embark on your first sip. I was able to pick up on the honey after taking a couple sniffs. It is dry hopped with East Kent Goldings hops that impart a herbal element.

The taste is unbelievable! You get robust Porter flavors that are true to style. There is a good bitterness from the brunt grains as well as the hops. These however, have a spicier, earthy taste since they are UK hops that have more floral/herbal characteristics. Simply judging on the Porter qualities this beer has high marks. Throw in the honey aspect and it surpassed expectations. The honey is produced from Scottish heather which compliments the spicy, herbal notes of the hops, yet gives enough sweetness to balance out the roasted grains. Everything works together to give you highly balanced beer that is full in flavor and body. The aftertaste is worth savoring as you get both sweetness and bitterness dancing harmoniously on your palate.

ABV: 5.4%

Grade: A