The Greezy Wop

What can I say about Fuller's London Porter? It could very possibly be the world's most perfect manufactured porter. On pouring this into a glass, the first thing you'll notice is the sheer blackness of this beer. It's as if you're staring into the evil heart of the devil's own brew. There is no carbonic rise, like Guinness or even Murphy's. The head rises slowly, but deliberately to the top of the glass, but not with a fizziness of a post-fermented CO₂ process. Instead, the head hangs onto the glass with a viscous and tannish body leaving it's mark, even after the glass is long-empty.

The pungent acidic nose of other porters is missing here. Replaced by chocolate and coffee overtones, a bite of caramel and the complex nuance of toasted nuts, the aroma claws its way into your head and foretells of great things to come. Keeping with the complexity of the fragrance, the taste is strong and sharp. The chocolate comes out immediately followed closely by an undeniably fruity undertone. The mouth-feel is surprisingly light compared to its appearance. It is sharp to the tongue with the subtle sweetness mixed with just the right amount of hoppy bitterness. The aftertaste lingers without any of the bitter leftovers you would expect from such a strong brew. Instead, you are left with a definite coffee piquancy and a smooth earthy coat in your mouth that drags you back to the glass for more.

Though the beer is not as filling as Murphy's or Beemish, its potential is there for this to play the dual roles of mealtime companion, as well as a great post-meal digestif. The taste itself is wonderfully complex, but not overbearing or pretentious in the least. Tight flavors mix well with many different cuisines but the typical Londoner would drink this over a offal-filled plate of kidney pie and Manchester United on the tele. I, however, do not usually eat steaming piles of guts, so some fish n' chips and a violent movie would be the best pairing for me. Don't think this is just a dark beer for the dark beer-fans. This is a dark beer for every beer fan. The flavors belie their perceptions and combine to a great beer with a complex and astoundingly good taste.

If you can find this in your area, grab some, chill it down and sit down for a long draw of one of the world's greatest beers.

Until next time.