Sam Adam’s Holiday Porter
10. Feb, 2010 
10 Comments
Hello Everbody and wecome back to the Brew Review!
Today’s article I travel to the mysterious land of the dark beer again. A subject matter I am gravitating toward more and more now that I have actually given them a shot. I used to be that guy that said Guiness sucked because it was like drinking motor oil. Well not that I have tried an even darker and thicker beer it is hard to deny how some of these dark guys can really taste good. So let’s get right back on the dark beer horse and give Sam Adam’s Holiday Porter a go.
About The Holiday Porter
The Holiday Porter is characterized my roasted malts, English hops, and a touch of noble hops that make it a smooth character. The Holiday Porter was introduced by Sam Adams back in 2004 and packs 5.8% ABV.
My Review
The Package
I really like that Holiday Porters packaging. The label looks like it came from the Christmas Carol I am waiting for Scrooge to bust through the front door on it and give me a good ole baahhhh humbug. Good job to Sams for making another great label.
The Poor
The Holiday Porter pours are real dark brown color with a medium body. It is dark, but when you hold it up you still have the ability to seem some light through so you you know it isn’t motor oil like. The nice head you get on the pour creeps down to a small ring that stays on top of your beer while you drink it. There is a nice lace that travels down the glass as well.
The Nose
The nose on the Holiday Porter is challenged. You won’t find a lot going on, but you will get some caramel maltyness from it.
The Palate
As far as Porter’s go I have tried a lot but never reviewed them, so it is hard for me to look back now and judge it against them. I am really happy with this beer. You will find caramel, coffee, toffee, and metal in there. The metal is a little off putting, but it is something I tend to find in a lot of dark beers.
There is something in here that I am missing on the palate. Something that I can’t identify. It is a mix between a spice and a fruit that is just slipping through my tasting abilities. If you know what it is tell me in the comments below.
One thing about the Holiday Porter was that it had way more hops in it than I expected it too. And we all know I love hops. So that definitely gives it a boost on the rating scale for my palate.
When you drink the holiday Porter I would go the way of Dave of this one and drink it at room temp. You don’t want to stifle the flavor of it by chilling it. Grab one and enjoy.
The Rating
4 out of 5 Beers.
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Now this beer “looks” tasty! Just might have to see if I can find me a couple.
It was tasty. Did you see the Dark Lord review Dave?
Yes I saw it and would like to try it too but it sounded impossible to get your hands on.
It is impossible to get your hands on, but I am going to make one hell of an effort to do it this year. If I succeed I will definitely send you one.
I agree with you dave it looks like it is a very tasty brew. Sam Adam’s puts out some great beers and I have to try this one
Sam seems to be pretty popular with the regulars here in the brew review. Anybody out there dislike Sam Adam’s?
I’m going to have to disagree with you here Adam. I found this beer to be rather disgusting. By the end of the glass I was almost gagging. I don’t know what it was about this beer but it didn’t sit right with me. The first half of the bottle was fine and dandy but the bottom half…was gross. The beer was also chilled like always.
To each there own Robbie. I do like my dark beers a little more tepid, but everyone’s palate is different and therefore we will disagree a lot I am sure. What about it didn’t you like?
I don’t remember exactly what is was that I didn’t like. It tasted good and then bam…gross.
You ready for another mystery pack?
Yeah. I could use one. I have a bunch of reviews waiting to be posted, but it would be nice to get another one.