Sierra Nevada Brewing Company's Porter

Bill Clinton once said that there's nothing wrong with America that can't be fixed by what's right with America. And to me, Sierra Nevada exemplifies what's right with America. It's a solid company with big beers that is successful enough to reach macro status in capacity while not dumbing down their recipes to reach the masses (I'm looking at you, Sam Adams), or having to get there by means of advertising because taste and quality aren't enough on their own (still looking at you).

Everything is streamlined, and simple. Good, solid beers in recognizable, unique labels, and not a bum in the bunch. So tonight's Sierra Nevada Porter is a guaranteed good beer.

It pours an opaque black with amber to red highlights and a thick tan head that gets pillowy and very slowly fades. Difficult to tell what the carbonation is by sight, but it supports a good sized head for some time.

Smells almost like a stout because it's a bit grainy, but it's more rich than a stout, a little deeper. Slight hops, a bit sweet, and molasses that puts it solidly in the porter style. Very slightly vinous as it warms, and low carbonation keeps it smooth and buttery in the feel.

Very good porter, and just one more example of how a beer should be even if your company grows bigger than you thought it ever would (Sam...).