Santa Fe Brewing Company's State Pen Porter

Not quite as tacky a label as the Pale Ale, but still oddly simplistic in a bad way.

Also like the pale, it looks better than expected. As opaque as many stouts, with a fairly light tan head.

Smells very good as well. None of the vinegary aspects of a wine, but slightly vinous like a porter should be. No noticeable hops, and more of a grainy malt smell than bready, a bit raw.

More vinous in the taste. The first hit even has a hint of vinegar. It calms, or you get used to it, I guess, and the standard roasted malt and slight bitterness come out a little more.

Good porter. Nice and solid. It's not a sexy style, meaning this is not a sexy beer, but I like the style and this is a good example.

Santa Fe Brewing Company's Santa Fe Pale Ale

I gotta' tell you, the label is uninspiring. And I never liked that Zuni (or whatever) sun symbol that makes up the New Mexico state symbol. I like the place though, just not the cities that look dirt brown all the time. Dirty. So I'm not sure what a New Mexico beer will have to offer, based on everything I know and have seen so far.

But when I poured it, it poured fairly slow with a great tan head that sticks and good carbonation with a deep amber color. Impressive for the style by appearance, and I hope the taste is as good as the appearance.

Nice smell. Hit of grassy, herbal hops. The label says they use whole-flower hops, and I have to admit so far they don't appear to have skimped on anything but the artwork. Nice and malty as well, and just a bit sweet.

Damn. Great body for one of the lighter styles. Good grassy bitter pop up front, with a solid malt taste and twangy finish. Bitterness sticks on the back of the tongue and stays for a while. Not in a bad aftertaste sort of way, but in a solid taste kind of way. I'll have to keep a look out for this brewery, and hope that all of their beers are like this.