The Twelve Beers of Christmas- XI

St. Nick’s Oak Spiced Porter

  A few days before Christmas an early present arrived on my desk: a couple of bottles of Christmas beer that I had not been expecting or had even heard of.  The mystery beer was a collaboration brew by the teams at Russell Brewing and their sister company Fort Garry Brewing, and went by the name St Nick’s Oak Spiced Porter.  I have always been a strong proponent of being gracious about accepting a gift, so I took it home and drank it.  And if you should come across one, you should too.  Here’s why:

  The porter is a deep brown, almost black, and holds up a tight tan head.  The scent of the porter is wonderfully complex.  I found lots of malty molasses, black cherries and a coffee/vanilla combination that put me in mind of a vanilla latte.  Full-bodied, creamy, with  tastes of dark chocolate, coffee, cocoa, molasses and subtle vanilla and spice hints.  More of the same on the finish, with the spices (cinnamon, nutmeg) exerting a little more influence, and a dark plum note as well.  A superb blend of flavors.

  So while I can not tell you for certain that there is a Santa Claus, I strongly suspect there is.  How else would this beer arrive, unannounced and unexpected?  I can, however, guarantee you that there is a St. Nick.  And he makes a darn fine porter.