Here’s a little story that might not mean much to you but is sure fun for me to recollect. Way back in the 90s, I used to work in a liquor store in West Warwick, Rhode Island named Mac’s Liquors. That little gig was one of the best jobs I ever had, not for the pay of course but just because it was a lot of fun and I worked with such great people. One of those great guys was named Alton, and he loved beer as much as I do.

Of course, Alton didn’t love the variety of beer as much as I do; he was an avowed Miller Lite drinker. Alton had a nickname for me (psycho) though I’ll never understand why he called me that. Be that as it may, I think I could have persuaded him to at least try a can of Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter from Odyssey Beerwerks of Arvada, Colorado. He would at least have said it was the perfect beer for me.

From the can label:

Developed by an escapee from the McMurdo Zoo for criminally insane creatures, this concoction of dark, silky maltiness will slide down the throat-but not before the nose and tongue have picked up the smooth and smoky flavor of Mexican Vanilla beans lurking within.

Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter has an alcohol content of 5.4% by volume with 36 IBUs. The brewery calls this an “Antarctic inspired porter”. Odyssey beers are not sold in Georgia, but my good buddy Dale Roberts has hooked me up with a few from this brewery and I have enjoyed both.  

Odyssey Psycho Penguin Vanilla Porter pours to a dark brown to light black color with a medium head of creamy tan foam and a subtle chocolate and vanilla nose. Taking a sip, the beer is a bit thin in body and flavor; indeed, it seems to me more of a brown ale than a porter. I get chocolate chip cookie malt but with an aggressive nuttiness, and a good dose of vanilla to boot. The more I sip, the more this one seems a lot like a fudgy brownie than a chocolate chip cookie, complete with walnuts (nutty malt). The beer finishes dry roasty and makes you want another sip.

I want more body, but I love the brownie suggestions here. Nicely done indeed, and a beer I’d definitely buy if I could. Cheers Alton, this one goes out to you!

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

 

 



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