Family Dark Ale Style Porter
Country USA (CA) ABV 5.8%
Price $$$ Packaging 12oz/355ml, 22oz/650ml bottle
Characteristics Bitter, malty, roasty, strong

Overview Eel River’s motto, according to their website, is “Be Natural; Drink Naked”—something easier done in the redwood forests of northern California than most places, we imagine.

Flavors and aromas Two of our tasters noted that, after the aromas of heavy malt, dark caramel, molasses, and spices, they were expecting a “syrupy” palate. Pleasantly, that doesn’t materialize—this beer has the flavor intensity of an Imperial porter without the heft or alcohol. It’s a minor miracle that this beer winds up balanced, with heavy caramels, strong roast flavors, and some acidity and bitterness to even things out.