Try?
And that’s why I have chosen it to represent Finland in our little flight of fancy. Can’t get to Finland anytime soon? That’s ok. Pick up a few bottles of Koff porter (as it is known) and Finland will come to you. To be sure, some might suggest Sahti, the unique Finnish homebrew, as an alternative. But Koff porter is more widely available and unique in its own way.
Koff porter approaches the strength of an Imperial Stout in strength and character. It is very much unlike your average English or American porter. The beer is named for Nicolai Sinebrychoff, who established his brewery in 1819. That makes it (according to the company) the oldest Scandanavian brewery. Recently, Sinebrychoff was acquired by Denmark’s Carlsberg.
The importer, Beverage United, gives the following information on Koff porter: uses four differing malts (Vienna, Munich, Chocolate, Caramel) , two types of hops (Hallertau, Saaz) and a fresh young yeast for each new batch [the used yeast is separated not filtered].
On December 15th of 1998 I took the following notes:
Another of the goodies I scored this weekend. This bottle-conditioned porter is closer to an imperial stout it seems, a rich, potent brew of 7.2% alcohol by volume. My sample was bottled in 1996 and has been stored carefully by the importer, Beverage United for part of the time since then.
Deep dark in color, head formation is an impressive
rocky tan consistency and color, the nose is malty and strongly reminiscent
of cocoa. Thick, rich, and creamy, subtle hints of licorice slowly increase
into the finish, I'm also getting chocolate, espresso, vanilla and good kiss
of alcohol warmth in the finish. Absolutely incredible complex sipping brew.
This is not a typical Baltic Porter. It is top fermented instead of bottom
fermented (the vast majority of porters are indeed top fermented ales). As
such I think it has a bit more fruit character. This is a warming and
complex brew best suited for sipping, and I like it especially well in the
cooler fall and winter months. One can imagine it’s bolder character
perfectly suiting the frigid Finnish clime.
Sinebrychoff Porter pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy
tan head and a chocolate and licorice nose. As in the nose, there are hints
of chocolate and licorice in the palate, along with fig, raisin, and prune.
The mouthfeel is medium in body, not as big as a true imperial stout, but
firmer than a porter.
Koff porter offers subtle to moderate flavors. It isn’t huge and
overpowering, but it does offer complexity, a good does of fruit and some
really nice, smooth chocolaty flavors. I very much enjoy the smooth
character of the beer, and suspect you will too. The finish is slightly
roasty and nicely balanced with a touch of alcohol warmth. Alcohol content
is 7.2% by volume.
Truly one of the world’s classic brews, it’s nice to see it has retained its
character after the brewery’s acquisition by Carlsberg. It’s hard to tell
what the future holds, but for now, Sinebrychoff Porter remains a true
example of Finland in a bottle.
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
