Beer Reviews: Fall = Dark Beer = Yum

It's fall. It's getting cold. I have to wear pants. And it's time for some dark beer. Here are a few of the better ones I've had recently.

Happy drinking.


The Famous Taddy Porter
Samuel Smith's Old Brewery
English Porter

A / 4.3
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | drink: 4.5

Has a bottle with my bison at Craft in Victory Park, Dallas. Served in a wide pilsner glass. Appears, in the lower light, pitch black with a tan head.

Man, what a beer. Rich chocolate with toffee and a bit of mocha java around the edges. The aroma is full of the same candy and cocoa flavors and the aftertaste has a hint of herbal hops to it. This is easily the best English porter, maybe just porter, I've had. Damn.

Black Mamba
Bear Republic Brewing Co.
Belgian Dark Ale

B+ / 3.95
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | drink: 4

On-tap at the Farmhouse. Served in a pint glass, this appears dark brown with a tan head.

The aroma reminds me immediately of Chimay Blue, which is certainly a good thing. It's just a touch sweeter than traditional Belgians, but it's by no means in line with the sticky messes that many American brewers are putting out. It finishes dry with clove and dried fruit on top of a mellow, roasty base. Overall, this is a mighty fine Belgian and worth trying.


Delirium Nocturnum
Brouwerij Huyghe
Belgian Strong Dark Ale

A- / 4.05
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | drink: 4.5

Picked up a 24.9 oz bottle at Key Foods in Astoria. Pours a murky brown into my glass with a tall tan head.

Ah, it's weird like any good Belgian. More so than your average Belgian too, I get a slight peppermint note in the finish. Otherwise there's a very earthy yeast character up front with molasses and dates to follow. The body is very drinkable and this is a beer to try if you like dark Belgians. It almost reminds me of strange weizenbock. Anyways, good beer here.