Beer Review: Augur English Style Porter
- Brewery: Dutchess Ales (Wassaic, NY)
- Style: English Style Porter
- ABV: 4.6%
Augur is a flagship offering from Dutchess Ales, designed as an “Everyday Porter” that honors traditional British brewing techniques while maintaining a clean, modern finish.
Appearance
- Color: It pours a deep, dark mahogany that appears nearly black in the glass.
- Clarity: When held to the light, beautiful ruby highlights are visible at the edges.
- Head: Dense, tan, with good persistence and delicate lacing.
Aroma
- The nose is balanced and inviting, leaning into classic roasted malts.
- Dominant scents include baker’s chocolate, toasted hazelnuts, and a hint of cold-brew coffee.
- A faint, earthy hop presence provides a clean, herbal backdrop characteristic of English noble hops.
Flavor Profile
- Malt Complexity: The palate follows the nose with layers of dark chocolate, roasted grains, and dried dark fruits like raisins.
- Sweetness: It possesses a mild sweetness that is quickly balanced by the roasted character of the malts.
- Bitterness: The hop bitterness is moderate and earthy, acting as a structural component rather than a primary flavor.
- Yeasty Character: A clean fermentation profile allows the subtle esters of the English yeast strain to provide a faint fruity depth.
Mouthfeel
- Body: Medium-bodied with a smooth, almost silky texture.
- Carbonation: Moderate-to-low carbonation, which enhances the drinkability and traditional feel of the style.
- Finish: It finishes remarkably dry for a porter, with a lingering note of cocoa and toasted malt.
Augur is a masterclass in subtlety and balance. By keeping the alcohol content at a sessionable 4.6%, Dutchess Ales has created a porter that is rich enough for slow sipping but light enough to enjoy more than one. It is an essential pick for those who appreciate the nuanced, malt-forward elegance of traditional English ales.