I first enjoyed this beer in July of 1997 at the Samuel Adams Brewhouse on Sansom Street in Philadelphia, which is now the Nodding Head brewery. I noted then: George Washington Porter, brewed with honey and the inspiration for the Honey Porter, was interesting.
George Washington Porter pours to a murky dark brown color with a
creamy tan head and a cookie-like nose that hints at spice cake and
gingerbread. The soft dark malty nose is a bit more like that of a brown ale
than a porter. A thick layer of foam clings to the side of my glass as I
sip, and follows the liquid all the way down to the bottom.
As I take my sip, the porter flavor comes through, rich and roasty in this
medium bodied beer. It’s even a little smoky, I think, but only a little.
The licorice definitely comes through, and nicely permeates the brew from
start to finish. And of course the molasses is there too, dark and sweet and
rich upfront, it gives notes of Indian pudding, a cornmeal and molasses New
England dessert delicacy.
The finish of the beer is surprisingly hoppy, with roasty barley notes and a
bitter grassy hop finish from the East Kent Goldings used. I think the
roastiness is a given here and is a bit more pronounced than you’ll find in
many a porter. That’s because, I’m sure, they’re trying to replicate the
smoky, bitter dark malts that George Washington might have kilned himself
for his porter.
Full of flavor, malty, spicy and delicious, this is a real winner. Well
worth the $9.99 price for the collection just to try this one. The rest can
be considered icing on the cake.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft