Molson Coors Canada Rickard’s Dark English Porter at 4.8% ABV ($3.75 at NLC Kelsey Drive)
Pours clear deep amber with one finger of fine beige head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, minimal lacing (3/5). Nose is caramel malt, chocolate and mild coffee, light grassy hops (5/10). Taste is moderate sweet malt, mild to moderate bitter (6/10). Light body, moderate to high sustained carbonation, with a lingering bitter finish (4/5).
Y’know, I wasn’t expecting much. And I didn’t get much. But what I got was perhaps a slightly better grade of not much, than I was expecting. Some might consider the carbonation a bit too high, and it certainly generates a burp or two, but it also lifts and cuts the sweetness. The sweetness still gets a little cloying on the tongue, and I sure wouldn’t want more than one, but overall, as “beers that you’re likely to find on tap at some soulless chain restaurant” go, it’s drinkable. I’d go so far to say as it might well be the best thing in the MolsonCoors lineup these days – not that that’s saying much. (10/20)
5.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
