Speakeasy Payback Porter American Porter at 7.5% ABV | 35 IBU (C$10.50 at The Brewer’s Apprentice, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 22-Oct-2017, reviewed 17-Nov-2017)
Appearance: near opaque black with the merest hint of relief around the margins, one fat finger of rocky beige head, good retention and soapy lacing. (5/5) Aroma: dark chocolate, roasty malt, coffee, dried fruit, citrus, hint of vanilla. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-full body, moderate carbonation, slightly sticky lingering bitter finish. (4/5)
Can someone please tell me what the current status is for Speakeasy? The last articles I can find pertaining to the bankruptcy and sale are from May, at which point the brewery was sold at fire sale prices (hell, I could’ve scraped together that kind of financing), and apparently with no assumption of its accrued debt – which would fly in the face of what I understand buying an insolvent company entails. Their web site provides no further details except to say the tasting room will reopen soon, despite the fact that it’s also actively soliciting bartenders. I don’t mind saying, something smells a little rotten here (and it’s not the beer, which smells excellent). On that note, the beer is good: lots of heavily roasted character that verges on burnt, but never quite gets there. There’s an atypical but not unwelcome hop character, coming through predominantly as a citrus note. Despite its forbidding appearance and aggressive name, this is a very drinkable example of the style – and given the uncertainty which seems to surround the brewery, I recommend you locate one ASAP. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
