Guest Video Review by Tom Mulvihill

Was Piney River Old Tom Porter named for Tom the Beer Whisperer Mulvihill? It could have been. Seems to me tom drinks enough of their beer to merit that distinction, and hey, he’s the guy that introduced me to their fine brews. I’m not saying Tom is old, though. Wouldn’t want to do that! See his guest video review above and you’ll see he’s not!

It’s more likely that Piney River is talking about the old tom turkey on the label, and I guess that way up there in Bucyrus, Missouri where the brewery is located there are wild turkeys running to and fro. We certainly have them here in Georgia. Maybe they drink porter which is why they’re on the can; it’s likelier they go well with porter.

From the can label:

Dense black beard, brilliant plumage, reverberating gobble--Old Tom is notorious for haunting the Ozark hills. He's a prize gobbler with the wisdom to stay just out of reach. Our handcrafted porter is also memorable, but it's one Old Tom that won't get away.

Ingredient details from the website:

• Two-row malted barley

• Specialty malt provides complexity, color and body

• English Fuggle hops provide bittering

• Cold conditioned for a smooth, crisp and clean flavor

• Pure, limestone filtered Ozark spring water

Piney River Old Tom has an alcohol content of 5.5% ABV and 25 IBUs. Extra credit for the kinger cans! Let’s dive in and see how we like it, shall we?

Piney River Old Tom Porter pours to a dark brownish black color that’s not opaque with a thick creamy tan head and an appetizing roasty nose. Taking a sip, the beer has a medium to lighter body more consistent with a porter than a stout (appropriate here of course) and loads of roasty flavor: roasted barley malt, coffee, chocolate, chocolate pudding, dark bittersweet bakers chocolate. All this leads into a satisfying roasty dry finish.

I was in the mood for a good porter, and this is a very good porter my friends. This is the second Piney River brew I’ve tried (the first being the exceptional Hot Date Ale) and the second that has really impressed me.

Try it in lieu of coffee with a rich dessert.

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

 



Home