Youngblood Imperial
Porter
Review Date 8/7/2004
Try?
Re-buy?
In my many days
as a Bruguru, I’ve spent quite a bit of time traveling around in search of
beer. And in all those years, I’ve learned a thing or two about beer. So,
when I say that Dogwood Brewing is among a special tier of brewers, at least
in my opinion, that’s no small compliment. I’ve always enjoyed their roasty,
chocolaty stout; their intensely hoppy IPA; their crisp and malty-hoppy
pilsner; their malty, chocolaty bock; and their fruity, refreshing pale ale,
just to mention a few.
One thing that has held Dogwood back, however, was Georgia’s arcane law that restricted the alcohol content of beer to no more than 6% by volume. This effectively shut Georgia brewers out from producing a number of beer styles. To be sure, some bent the rules a little (Dogwood, for example, has brewed up a Weizenbock and a Belgian-style Tripel and Dubbel as their Winter Brew in the past). But they couldn’t flaunt the fact these beers were a bit more potent than usual.
All that changed recently when the law was amended to allow beers of higher strength here. And just as I expected, this opened the doors for Dogwood to strut its stuff. A new line of special beers called the Brewmaster Series is evidence of just that. And the first of these is Dogwood Imperial Porter. The Brewmaster Series is similar to Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Big Beer Series. Each brew will be a limited run, and will be packaged in 22 ounce “bomber” bottles. Plans for subsequent brews include a barleywine and a Scotch ale.
Right now Imperial Porter is only sold on draft, but within the next few weeks it will make its debut in bottles in Georgia. Plans are to eventually expand distribution of Dogwood beers to other states, too.
Dogwood Imperial Porter pours to a jet black color with a light tan head formation and a clean chocolaty nose. The palate is roasty, rich and decadent with bittersweet chocolate but smooth and very drinkable all the same. The beer has a touch of fruit that suggests apple and pear. There are huge notes of licorice and a touch of raisin, too. In the finish, the bittersweet chocolate re-emerges along with a kiss of alcohol warmth. At a bit over 8% alcohol by volume, this will be a welcome beer during the cold winter months.
This is a very complex and delicious beer, one I can’t wait to see in bottles to stock away in the fridge. It should age quite nicely for a year or so, I would think. A perfect complement to rich chocolate desserts, or perfect as dessert as seconds. And remember, dessert is spelled with two s’s, because you always want seconds. You’ll want seconds of Dogwood Imperial Porter, too.
One thing that has held Dogwood back, however, was Georgia’s arcane law that restricted the alcohol content of beer to no more than 6% by volume. This effectively shut Georgia brewers out from producing a number of beer styles. To be sure, some bent the rules a little (Dogwood, for example, has brewed up a Weizenbock and a Belgian-style Tripel and Dubbel as their Winter Brew in the past). But they couldn’t flaunt the fact these beers were a bit more potent than usual.
All that changed recently when the law was amended to allow beers of higher strength here. And just as I expected, this opened the doors for Dogwood to strut its stuff. A new line of special beers called the Brewmaster Series is evidence of just that. And the first of these is Dogwood Imperial Porter. The Brewmaster Series is similar to Smuttynose Brewing Company’s Big Beer Series. Each brew will be a limited run, and will be packaged in 22 ounce “bomber” bottles. Plans for subsequent brews include a barleywine and a Scotch ale.
Right now Imperial Porter is only sold on draft, but within the next few weeks it will make its debut in bottles in Georgia. Plans are to eventually expand distribution of Dogwood beers to other states, too.
Dogwood Imperial Porter pours to a jet black color with a light tan head formation and a clean chocolaty nose. The palate is roasty, rich and decadent with bittersweet chocolate but smooth and very drinkable all the same. The beer has a touch of fruit that suggests apple and pear. There are huge notes of licorice and a touch of raisin, too. In the finish, the bittersweet chocolate re-emerges along with a kiss of alcohol warmth. At a bit over 8% alcohol by volume, this will be a welcome beer during the cold winter months.
This is a very complex and delicious beer, one I can’t wait to see in bottles to stock away in the fridge. It should age quite nicely for a year or so, I would think. A perfect complement to rich chocolate desserts, or perfect as dessert as seconds. And remember, dessert is spelled with two s’s, because you always want seconds. You’ll want seconds of Dogwood Imperial Porter, too.
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
