San Francisco Beer Week is just around the corner with the festivities kicking off this Friday. Local breweries are gearing up with special events, tastings, and collaborative brews. It’s only logical then that we focus on one of our fair city’s local breweries for this week’s Tuesday Tasting.
Situated in San Francisco’s Hunters Point district, Speakeasy Ales & Lagers has been kicking out tasty brews since 1997. While their name is a thowback to the days of Prohibition and the underground bars that covertly operated around the country, Speakeasy’s beers are anything but incognito. Their Payback Porter is no exception with big bold flavors and 7.5% ABV.
Appearance
Bordering on the edge of black, the beer reveals a shade of dark walnut when held to the light. A frothy finger and a half of tan head has satisfactory retention and leaves a nice coating of lacing.
Aroma
Everything you would expect from a robust porter. Roasted notes of dark malt balanced with the sweetness of caramel. Coffee and dark chocolate intermingle to remind the drinker of an iced mocha. Not completely lost in all the dark malt aromas is a slight floral and piney hop character.
Taste
Strong unsweetened coffee, milk chocolate, and caramel notes invade the tongue. Chocolate and caramel sweetness is balanced by a bitterness that takes the form of darkly toasted bread and a hint of hops. Off in the background are notes of vanilla and whole milk.
Mouthfeel
Body is medium and appropriate for the style. Carbonation is moderate lending itself to a smooth and creamy drinkability. Alcohol is barely noticeable even at 7.5% ABV.
Drinkability
Very solid beer with deep aroma and flavor profiles. Nice balance and smooth mouthfeel make this a very drinkable beer. Alcohol is well hidden making this an almost sessionable beer, but at 7.5% it wouldn’t be a very long session. We could see this brew being a gateway beer for stouts or imperial stouts. Overall grade for Payback Porter: B+
Payback Porter
Up next on Tuesday Tasting: 21st Amendment Brewery Monk’s Blood