Latest release in the Sweetwater Dank Tank series: Sweetwater Dank Tank Pulled Porter Bacon Smoked Porter. I have to say that I love the name and the mental images it calls forth, southern barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, strips of smokey bacon and a foaming mug of porter. Now mix ‘em all up and take a sip. Yum! Having been with the Dank Tank series since release 1 (The Creeper way back in 2009) and rarely having been disappointed, I was anticipating this one with much relish.

Smoked porters are rare to find in my experience, and generally have a lot to live up to. The yardstick by which I judge all others is Alaskan Smoked Porter, and while I love you Sweetwater, I have to say I know Alaskan Smoked Porter, I’ve drunk Alaskan Smoked Porter on several occasions. You, Sweetwater Pulled Porter Bacon Smoked Porter, are no Alaskan Smoked Porter.

From the painted label bottle:

On the farm way too long, Ol’ McDanko began showing some worrisome tendencies. Following a solid session in the hot box smoking malt, he was overcome by a methane cloud emitted from the herd. Ya heard? Reaching for the hops, he goofed and grabbed porky by the e-i-e-i-oh and plopped her in the brew kettle slow and low – that is the tempo.

Knock knock – who’s there? It’s McDanko’s inbred neighbor, Gert Reynolds, swinging by delivering his deliverance with some fat back here and some fat back there. Stepping out past some Foxy brothers picking a banjo on the porch to sample his wares, McDanko, doubled over the chopping block and squealed like a pig - wieii wieii – proclaiming this to be the most bodacious bacon beer brewed this side of the Chattoog-a!

Whatever that means. Ingredients from the website:

Malts: 2-Row, Smoked 2-Row, Munich, Wheat, 70/80, Roasted Wheat, Midnight Wheat, Chocolate

Hops: Centennial, Golding, Willamette, Cascade

Sweetwater Dank Tank Pulled Porter Bacon Smoked Porter has an alcohol content of 7.7% by volume with 27 IBUs. I paid $6.99 for a bomber bottle, a dollar more than these beers have run in the past but still a very good deal as bombers go these days.

Sweetwater Dank Tank Pulled Porter Bacon Smoked Porter pours to a jet black color with a thick creamy tan head and a light smoke and licorice nose. Taking a sip the beer has a full firm mouthfeel followed by a light roastiness and larger licorice notes with soft phenols and subtle smoke. The beer finishes with soft roast and smoke as well.

OK, so I do get some smoky notes here, but I’m not getting the bacon or even really enough smoke to remind me of the barbecue. If you’ve read my reviews before you know that it’s not a good idea to set me up to expect something and not deliver it. Hey, I like the licorice here if that helps. Would I buy Sweetwater Dank Tank Pulled Porter Bacon Smoked Porter again? Maybe if I saw it on tap at Taco Mac, but otherwise probably not.

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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