Tommyknocker – Cocoa Porter Winter Warmer, Round 2

Howdy fellow snobs!

We normally try not to review a beer more than once here at KBS. However, last year beer snob Don reviewed Tommyknocker’s Cocoa Porter and did a good job summing it up. If truth be known, he proverbially “beat me to the post” and got his post out on the interwebs while I was still gazing lovingly into a pint of awesomeness. As I recall, I was a good sport, only cried a little and we went back to being gee golly awesome pals. Regardless, I wanted to get it out in front of all you snobs again this year to let you know it’s out there and pretty tasty.

Fast forward to this past Friday when I was visiting my good friend in beer, Mike Adams at The Market @ Washington & High. While I had been keeping an eye out for this seasonal brew I had pretty much struck out. Ok, what really happened is that I looked once, asked once, upon hearing it wasn’t available, ripped my shirt in Incredible Hulk-like anger (took me a minute to get started but I was too deep in at that point to stop) bought some Snow Day and went along my merry way. However, when I walked in The Market, there this marvelous brew sat – not only in its 6 pack awesomeness but also on the growler wall. I did enjoy a pint while Mike and I solved several world problems including how to get those last of guys out of Iraq today – good job Mike. Needless to say, along with the items off the grocery list the Mrs. sent me with, I left there with a 6’er in hand.

Now, before I review this beer I do want to say that I hoarded a single bottle of this beer last year like I was a squirrel with a magical time traveling nut. I only drank this remaining single last weekend and while a little flat, was still pretty good. On with the review!

As Don mentioned last year, you get a chocolate aroma immediately off of the Tommyknocker Cocoa Porter – definitely the cocoa coming on strong. There’s not a lot of head to the beer when you pour it and the color , while dark, shows dark red tones at the edges. On the tongue you get the cocoa, some sweetness from the honey, a little caramel and just a hint of bitterness on the back end. This is not a heavy porter by any means and is easily drinkable at 5.7% ABV.

Final Snobs: While this isn’t my favorite winter seasonal, nor my favorite porter, this is a beer I am happy to see for a another season and I think the brewers at Tommyknocker did a pretty fine job. I really don’t think you’ll be disappointed with this one!

Cheers!