Pig Iron Porter is top notch

May 8, 3:42 PMSuburban Philadelphia Craft Beer ExaminerMichael Hoster

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Iron Hill is one of the best microbreweries in Pennsylvania. Almost every beer Iron Hill produces is well above average to excellent. There are several Iron Hill restaurants scattered throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, and each location features a different brewmaster and a different selection of seasonal beers. However, one of Iron Hill’s regular house brews that you can find any time at any location is Pig Iron Porter. It is one of their best creations and a personal favorite of mine. So, here’s a review.

Appears nearly black, with only a hint of ruddy brown when held in the light. It’s thin, tan head fades within 45 seconds of tapping. Flavors of dark roasted coffee, dark chocolate malt and vanilla are evident. A very slight, low-acid hop component is present––likely either willamette or fuggles. The finish is slightly bitter from the weighty presence of chocolate malt. Overall, it is well balanced and demonstrates a modest ABV, 5.4%. Makes an outstanding session beer.

In general, most porters fall into one of two sweeping categories––English or American style. English-style porters, such as Fuller’s London Porter, Samuel Smith Taddy Porter and Sam Adams Holiday Porter, often feature dark chocolate malt, roasted coffee and molasses, with just a touch of bittering hops for body. American-style porters, such as Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald, Troegs Dead Reckoning and Smuttynose Robust Porter, also feature both dark chocolate and roasted coffee, but instead employ a generous amount of aromatic hops (centennial or cascade) for complexity.

Iron Hill’s Pig Iron Porter is most certainly an English-style porter. It is sufficiently complex and robust to entice most stout lovers, yet not too aggressive to offend those who dislike the lip-puckering bitterness of an IPA.

One final note… On several occasions, I have tried Iron Hill’s bourbon-aged version of Pig Iron Porter during the winter months; however, I am not a big fan at all. Because of the lower alcohol content and the lack of hoppiness, the oaky bourbon flavor almost entirely overwhelms beer and widely compromises its nuances. Best stick to the original version.

For more information on Pig Iron Porter and Iron Hill’s other beers, visit: www.ironhillbrewery.com