Old Engine Oil Porter
Thursday, July 22nd, 2010
Old Engine Oil is the perfect name for this craft brewed porter, cause that’s exactly what it looks like.
Thankfully though, the taste is not the same as old engine oil, not that I have any idea of what that tastes like and nor do I want to. Old Engine Oil Porter is brewed and bottled by the Harviestoun Brewery in Alva, Scotland. The Harviestoun Brewery has been producing fine beverages since 1984 and has gone from strength to strength. It now has a range of bottled brews from Ales to Porters and luckily enough for us most of them have made it to our shores. Old Engine Oil Porter was given the silver medal in its class in the 2007 Australian Beer Awards and has won many other awards the world over.
This Porter pours with a creamy tan head that quickly disappears leaving the top portion of your glass coated with an even amount of lacing. It is extremely dark in appearance and lets through hardly any light at all, which again is similar to that of old engine oil. There is a dark chocolate aroma to this brew along with some roasted malt and an underlying sweetness. The taste is impressive but overwhelming. It has strong coffee and chocolate elements that go hand in hand with the hoppy bitterness of this brew. Each mouthful is filling and has a sweet, sugary ending to it. I can understand why this Porter would be greatly appreciated in colder countries like Scotland and England and with that said, I am unsure whether the Australian market will come to enjoy its uniqueness.
Oil Engine Oil Porter has the sure makings of a great beer, for example, there’s an excellent malt to hop balance to it but for me personally, this wasn’t a sure favourite. The taste is overpowering and I can honestly see a lot of drinkers being put off by it. You can find this beer at selected 1st Choice stores, so get a bottle and try it for yourself, just remember though, this is a beer that should be savoured and not quaffed.
Rating (out of five):
| Posted in Beer Reviews, Porter | 1 Comment »