Detroit’s Atwater Brewery has been selling its beer in Georgia for a few years now, and I’ve savored it both on tap and in bottles. Recently, though, I got to sample a nitrogen poured version of one of their classic brews: Atwater Vanilla Java Porter. This is an English style porter infused with vanilla and coffee, two flavors that meld wonderfully with stouts and porters.

I saw this beer on tap at Taco Mac and ordered a mug posthaste, as beers like these are not usually on long before the keg kicks. Canton’s Taco Mac is always busy and has a core clique of seasoned beer aficionados always on the prowl for something new.

Atwater says on their website:

Originally blended for the working class in Central London, English Style Porters give nod to the masses, mixing traditional old style ales with more modern ales. While relatively dark, English Style Porters eschew burnt flavors for more mellow profiles.

Atwater Vanilla Java Porter has an alcohol content of 5% by volume with 13 IBUs. I paid $5.72 for a 23-ounce mug at Taco Mac and the beer sells for $11.99 a six-pack at Total Wine.

My mug of Atwater Vanilla Java Nitro Porter arrived jet black in color with a light cap of densely packed foam and vanilla and roast in the nose. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth in body but a little thin for a porter, with robust notes of chocolate, vanilla, coffee grinds, a hint of smoke, and a dry roasty finish.

Tasty as it is, a bit more body and it would be something special. The draft price was fair, but $12 a six-pack is a little high. Only a little, though.  A half star off for that.



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