Time for some brunch, my word for beer and lunch. Any portmanteau in a storm they say, but this time not The Ports, but Port Hope. It’s a new brewer for COMDB, the Ganaraska * gang in Port Hope right across the street from Farley Mowat park. Although Mowat was enamoured with the far North, he did settle in a much milder clime. **
The Ganaraska brew pub seemed to be a popular venue, perhaps because it serves good beer? Perhaps. A sultry summer Salem Stout seemed like a solid selection. The tapmeister’s pro pour was as black as a witch’s hat and as cold as her heart. Which witch would it be, a wicked good one or bitter and evil spirited? Time let the black cat out of the bag.
An aroma of sweet cocoa, intriguing, enticing, bordering on beguiling. First quaff is an upfront espresso strong with the roasted sweet cocoa malt, all at once, and together. My first thought was this would be a dessert stout if it weren’t for the espresso balancing things out. This one is too full flavoured to be smooth, but it is very tasty. I like that it’s not trying to be a Guinness like so many Irish stouts aspire to, but going in strong and doing it’s own thing.
Not really a big swigger although I did put it to the test. It’s much more enjoyable as a middlin’ swig and savour. This Salem summertime stout is no shrinking violet, it rose to the occasion.
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