Southampton Imperial Porter

Wednesday found me in downtown Pittsburgh in the late afternoon. Popped into seemingly the biggest secret beer bar in the downtown area, the Market Street Ale House. I say this, because I'm always amazed by the number of people that I run into that have never heard of this great place. The Market Street Ale House, located in Market Square, sits on the second story, directly across the square from Primanti Bros. Once in the Ale House, you have a great view of the Square, and more importantly, great food, great bartenders, and the best beer selection in the downtown area!

As I discussed this week's beer order with the manager, Roess Reddick, I decided to sip on a 2008 Southampton Imperial Porter, fresh on draft.

Southampton Imperial Porter does not get its Imperial from the loosely used American version of this word that seemingly means higher alcohol, rather Southampton Imperial Porter is a true Baltic-styled, or Imperial Porter. This porter is modeled after those of Eastern European decent, and drinks cleaner and crisper than its English counterpart.

2008 Southampton Imperial Porter, 7% ABV:

Color is dark brown. Big bitter chocolate and coffee in the nose. Hits the palate with HUGE chocolate and soft roasted bitterness. Finishes fairly quickly and extremely clean, like a good Baltic-styled Porter should. Leaves the mouth coated with wonderful mocha and hints of roasted bitterness. Wow!! This beer is 7% ABV? This is the type of beer that will sneak up on you if you are inexperienced, or not paying attention. I like that about this beer. Anytime you can hide the alcohol this well, you have created a beautiful offering. Kudos Southampton!!

If you are unfamiliar with this brewery, I suggest you begin familiarizing yourself with their offerings. Their beers are readily available in the Pittsburgh area, and not too many breweries nail down styles the way these guys nail down styles.

Now go find some Southampton . . . NOW!!