![]() ![]() On the nose this porter is certainly coffee forward, with a big, smoky waft of freshly roasted coffee up front, chased by light elements of mocha and just a trace of pine. It’s craft beer homogeneity, meets donut homogeneity. They’re two companies known for approachable products that eschew much of the “artisanal” imagery you’d find at a smaller craft brewery or independent donut shop. In this, I’m hardly in the minority, and so I can only imagine that the “average” beer and coffee drinker will be pretty hyped about the idea of a Dunkin’ Donuts coffee porter, right? It’s certainly a collaboration that seems to make sense, bringing together Harpoon, one of the country’s oldest (and 18th largest) craft breweries, with Dunkin’ Donuts, perhaps the biggest “coffee and donut” chain in the world. If anything, it almost feels like an advantage-I don’t need the “good coffee” to be happy! Look at all the money I’m saving, Mom! But I also happen to be perfectly happy on a daily basis with cheap drip coffee from fast food restaurants, or pods from the Keurig. That isn’t to say I don’t appreciate a good varietal pour-over from time to time, because I certainly do. Despite having a palate that is pretty well-attuned to beer, I can’t bring myself to expect the same sophistication from coffee, the beverage that so many start their day with the world over. That’s sort of the nature of the job.īut at the same time, you’d think that experience would stop me from looking at intense coffee aficionados with a quizzical eyebrow, and … I must confess, it really doesn’t. I’ve been called insufferable in online reviews for long-winded tasting notes on beer or whiskey, and likewise told that I’m hopelessly out of touch with how “regular folks” consume those drinks. Obviously, as an alcohol writer, I’ve developed a taste for some of the finer things that the genre has to offer. This is worth the try if you like cinnamon and nutmeg.Here’s the thing about snobbery: It’s surprisingly easy to get heavily submerged in the trappings and intricacies of a complex subculture without recognizing those same trappings elsewhere.Ĭase in point: Me and beer, vs. It was a fun beer that would be good during the holiday season and at 5.9% ABV you won’t end up being the loud, obnoxious relative at your family gatherings. ![]() It doesn’t stand out among the other holiday beers but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. ![]() It is kind of your typical holiday beer with its myriad of spice and flavors. It was an overpowering sweet but rather subtle and blended well with the beer. There was also a sweet taste that reminded me of biting a peach. The cinnamon and nutmeg flavor profile definitely dominated the brew so if you don’t like these flavors this might not be for you. There was very little lacing on the glass as it drank. The flavor stayed consistent throughout the session. The spices definitely dominate the flavor profile and cinnamon predominates the aftertaste. The mouthfeel is just a shade on the medium side but it finishes smooth with just the right amount of carbonation. There are some slight bread notes that poke through as well as a sweetness that is slightly caramel in flavor. There are notes of cinnamon and nutmeg with a slight bready finish before a feint cinnamon aftertaste. The aroma offers notes of cinnamon and nutmeg along with notes of malt and bread. It looks fairly appetizing with very little carbonation seen through the dark color. There was a light tan head that rose to a little under one finger at its height. Harpoon Brewery has their holiday entry with their Winter Warmer, a holiday ale flavored with cinnamon and nutmeg. They don’t call it the most wonderful time of the year for nothing. It’s the holiday beer selections that add some spice and flavor to the season. No, not a fat man in a red suit jumping down your chimney. When the weather starts to get cold and the holiday spirit starts to dominate you know one thing is certain. ![]()
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