Resonant Constellation

Well, I’d like to get this in early (as opposed to last month) and fortunately I’ve recently had an excellent beer. This is Port Brewing’s “Old Viscosity,” an American Strong Ale. Port Brewing is also owned by Lost Abbey, one of who’s beers I’ve reviewed before. Though the Lost Abbey was very good, this was much better. Old Viscosity is also surpassed by the so-called Older Viscosity which is the same beer aged in Burbon Barrels for six months. I’ve never had the Older variant, but it sounds intriguing.

Old Viscosity pours very dark with a nice brown head. There’s nothing too special about the aroma, pretty standard decent beer-a little bready yeast, maybe some fruits, licorice in small measure. The proof, of course, is in the drinking. Roasted coffee beans are instantly present, a bit of the aforementioned yeast, something I can only describe as “scotch-like” smokiness, licorice, a bit of earthy oak, and a nice creamy note to top it off.

Of course, this beer is most notable not for the flavor, but for the palate-how it feels. Creamy and smooth are the first impressions, but as you let it move back along the tongue, it takes on a wonderfully chewy presence, much like well-kneaded bread. This beer is extremely present.

Scoring:
Aroma: 7/10
Appearance:4/5
Flavor:8/10
Palate:5/5
Overall:17/20
Score: 82/100