Mayflower Porter

Mayflower's Porter is a Massachusetts-brewed dark ale at 5.5% ABV with a bitterness rating of 40 IBU. That puts it in the moderate range for the style: sturdy enough to taste like a porter, but light enough on alcohol to drink more than one without it becoming heavy going. Porters in this mold typically pour deep brown to near-black with a tan head, and the flavor centers on roasted malt. Expect notes of dark chocolate, toasted bread crust and a touch of coffee, with a gentle caramel sweetness underneath. The 40 IBU is enough to trim that sweetness and leave a clean, dry-leaning finish rather than a cloying one, and the roast usually registers as bitter-sweet rather than sharply acrid. Body tends to sit at medium, with moderate carbonation that keeps it from feeling syrupy. Hop character in a porter at this level is generally restrained and earthy, there to support the malt. At the table, this style works well with anything that has a char or a sear. Grilled sausages, burgers, barbecued pork and smoked brisket all pick up the roasted notes in the beer, while the carbonation cuts through fat. It also suits sharp cheddar, aged Gouda, mushroom dishes, and desserts built around chocolate or caramel, such as brownies or bread pudding. Serve it at about 50 to 55°F (10 to 13°C), cooler than room temperature but not fridge-cold, since over-chilling mutes the malt and leaves only the bitterness. A nonic pint glass or a tulip works well and gives the aromas room to open up. No decanting is needed. This is a beer to drink fresh rather than cellar, so enjoy it within its best-by window.