Review – Port Brewing – Santa’s Little Helper

Port Brewing: Originally brewed at the Pizza Port in Solana Beach in November of 1997. As dark as the biggest lump of coal Santa can deliver, this beer has earned a dedicated following and is code named Satan’s Little Hangover by those who have indulged in a holiday like manner from time to time.

Port Brewing Co. Santa’s Little Helper 2008 Imperial Stout – 22 oz. bottle poured into my New Belgium glass. 10% abv. Purchased at Beverages and More Pasadena, CA.

Appearance: Midnight brown with a ring of suds at the top.

Aroma: Dark roasted coffee beans, hazel nuts, a little bit of alcohol, and dark chocolate.

Taste: Black coffee, dark chocolate, and a slight hint of booze, whether it be dark rum or bourbon.

Mouthfeel: Full, thick, and a tad silky.

Overall: I have no evidence to prove this, but this is much better than last years.  Seemed to have more body or something.  Sweet, but not too sweet. Large amounts of coffee flavors and chocolate, simple yet sophisticated.  I am saving one in the cellar to see where this bad boy goes. Wait a minute, I meant good boy. Santa wouldn’t have it any other way.