Exhibit A Briefcase Porter

Briefcase Porter is a 5.4% ABV porter from Exhibit A Brewing Company in Massachusetts. At that strength it sits in the sessionable middle of the style, so it suits a second pour more easily than the heavier stouts and imperial porters do. The listing doesn't give a tasting profile, so what follows is what porters in this range typically show. Expect a dark brown to near-black pour under a tan head, with roasted malt aromas of toast, cocoa and a little coffee. The body is usually medium, with a drying roast finish and modest bitterness that supports the malt rather than competing with it. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, around 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C), which is a few degrees warmer than a standard lager. Straight from a refrigerator the roast and chocolate tones tend to close up, and ten minutes on the counter brings them out. No decanting is needed. A nonic pint glass or a tulip-shaped tumbler works well, since either one holds the head and concentrates the roasted aroma. Pour it with a firm stream so the carbonation settles into a creamy cap. This is a bottle to drink fresh instead of cellaring. Porters at moderate strength are brewed for current drinking, and their roasted character is at its best in the first months after packaging. At the table, the roast pairs naturally with food that has some char or caramelization: grilled sausages, smoked brisket, burgers with sharp cheddar, and mushroom dishes. The malt sweetness also takes well to desserts, and it makes a sensible match for brownies, chocolate pudding or vanilla ice cream, where it can be poured over the top as a float. Its mid-range strength also makes it a good fit for stews and braises, where a heavier beer would overwhelm the dish.