Turtle Swamp Jp Porter

Turtle Swamp JP Porter is a porter brewed in Massachusetts and sold under the Esplanda label. Porter is a dark ale style built on roasted malt, and beers in this category typically pour deep brown to near black with a tan head. Expect aromas of cocoa, light coffee and toasted bread, with a medium body that stays drinkable instead of heavy. The finish in this style is usually dry to gently sweet, with a touch of roast bitterness that keeps the malt from turning cloying. Hop character is typically restrained, there for balance rather than as a headline flavor. Because porters are generally lighter and less viscous than stouts, a bottle like this is more of a session-friendly dark beer than a dessert pour. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, around 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C). Colder temperatures mute the chocolate and roast notes that define the style. A standard pint glass or a tulip-style glass works well, and pouring with a gentle head helps release the malt aromatics. No decanting is needed, and the beer is made to be enjoyed fresh rather than cellared. At the table, roasted and smoky foods are the natural match. Grilled sausages, barbecue ribs, burgers with caramelized onions, and sharp cheddar or smoked gouda all echo the toasty malt. Mushroom dishes and roasted root vegetables also suit it. For something sweeter, pair it with brownies or a simple chocolate tart, where the roast in the beer plays against the sugar.