Chicagoist's Beer Of The Week: Two Brother's Peppermint Bark Porter

By Jason Baldacci in Food on Dec 12, 2014 10:30PM

As much as it pains us to admit it, we can no longer deny that Christmas is right around the corner. This week, we're taking a look at a beer that will either calm your nerves after a day of shopping for gifts, or make a great stocking stuffer all on its own.

Two Brothers has just released their Peppermint Bark Porter, complete with wrapping paper inspired label art. It pours a deep, ruby-brown, almost black color in the glass, and we pick up toasty aromas and a touch of peppermint on the nose. On the palate, we we're pleasantly surprised that the peppermint doesn't overpower the rest of the beer. We're met with a nice, roasty bitterness from the dark grains up front, along with a little malty sweetness to level out the mouthfeel. There's a hint of earthy hops on the mid-palate which accent the peppermint nicely. The peppermint plays off that hop profile and almost lends a cooling effect to a beer that would otherwise be a winter warmer. At 6.7 percent alcohol content, Peppermint Bark Porter is a holiday beer you could drink all day if you had to.

If you're anything like us, you do most of your holiday shopping at the liquor store. A lot of beers are available in large format bottles these days and they make fantastic presents for the beer lover in your family. This is a great opportunity to buy something for someone that they might not buy for themselves, since a solo drinker (no judgment) might not want to crack a big bottle alone. If you're helping someone build up a beer cellar, remember that higher alcohol content and darker beers tend to age better than easier drinking and hoppier ones. If you're lucky though, the recipients of these gifts will be too anxious to wait, and be willing to share your gifts over Christmas dinner.

Peppermint Bark Porter by Two Brothers is available on draft and in 22-ounce bottles. Check beermenus.com to see where you can grab some today.