Style: Baltic Porter

ABV: 8.6 IBU: 45.0

88/100

Aroma:	10
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	18
Mouthfeel:	4

WeldWerks Chai Baltic Porter

What the brewers say

“A Baltic porter brewed with black tea, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and anise. This is our first Baltic porter, which we lagered (of course) to provide a crisp, clean base beer for showcasing the complex spice profile.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Moderate fruit (cherry and plum). Mild chai spices underneath, with a touch of roast. Light tart undertone. Spicing is restrained and lets the roast malt and bright herbal character through.”

Flavor: “There’s a nice underlying chocolate malt with a rich a complex spice character from the chai. Great finish—the roast chocolate flavors pair nicely with the spice additions, and while it’s a bit dry and puckering, it doesn’t cross into harsh and astringent territory.”

Overall: “This beer makes you think, at least for the first half before the alcohol kicks in. There are distinct chai flavors, but also notes of fruit, mint, cinnamon, anise, and vanilla. Overall, truly unique.”

What our editors thought

Review printed in: Light Ales + Dark Lagers (Feb-Mar 2019) (View All Issues)

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REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Twin Span Brewing The Davenporter

“Light nose, with hints of toasted breadcrusts and light caramel. The flavor is more rustic and earthy, with notes of black licorice; toffee dominates, heading almost into a smoky thing. Lager-like crispness is there, but it’s a bit thin. Finish is dry—just a hint of chocolate, with moderate roast notes. Sessionable at the expense of flavor.”

Wayfinder Beer Gravity Drop Baltic Porter

Barrista-borne aroma—roast malt with nice nuances of coffee, toffee, browned toast, brown sugar. Flavor tones it down—sweet coffee and nutty character enhance the bitter/sweet interaction. Lacks the richer malt spectrum; body is a bit mild. Assertive but pleasant hop-bitterness. Smooth warmth.

Crooked Stave Coffee Baltic Porter

Aroma: “Strong coffee vies for attention with the roasted malt. Coffee wins.” Flavor: “Very rich toast, chocolate, and coffee. Moderately sweet. The hops just balance the sweetness. Slight green-pepper back note. Finishes a touch on the sweet side. Malt holds on awhile. Coffee bitterness comes through on the finish, but given the lingering sweetness, it balances well.” Overall: “The underlying beer is perhaps a bit heavy, but the coffee additions add complexity and yield an interesting beer overall.”

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