Samuel Adams Holiday Porter

The final Samuel Adams beer from the holiday pack is nigh... will Samuel Adams Holiday Porter hit a higher note than their previous offerings?

Samuel Adams Holiday Porter showed little carbonation through it's it's black-with-red-highlights body and a lumpy, latte-like foam.  The nose was predominately composed of caramel, chocolate, and malt balls.

Samuel Adams Holiday Porter hit the tongue like a sweet vanilla malt, with milk chocolate and touched of coffee bean coming through as the beer mellowed on my tongue.  There was an "IPA" like citrus rind in the close of the beer that was out of place, but it wasn't a deal breaker.

I'm glad to say this last Samuel Adams I tasted was actually a pretty good beer.  It lacked the density or complexity I expect from a porter and leaned a bit too much on the sweet side for my tastes, but it got most of  the porter formula right and would be a good introductory porter for someone who hasn't tried a dark beer.