
3.9
AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20I poured a 12oz can into a nonic pint glass. It had a best by date of 7/9/15 and cost $3.15 ($0.26 per ounce).
Appearance: Brown/maroon/mahogany shade. Lighter and more translucent than most porters. Pours to a small, tan, foamy head which retains and laces quite well.
Smell: Almost IPA-like with assertive citrus and flowery hops. Some dark malt is noticeable.
Taste: Judging by the description on the brewery’s website, I went into this beer expecting a solid, to-spec porter, but what I got was something else. There’s a strong citrusy hop presence here right from the get-go. Supposedly only 44 IBUs, this feels like something higher and more in the traditional IPA range of bitterness. Notes of orange and grapefruit with a sweet, floral bouquet as well. The dark malt doesn’t appear until the second half; imparting lightly sweet notes of caramel and a hint of roasted barley and iced coffee. Nothing in the way of dark fruits as is often found in traditional porter, though I do enjoy the dynamic of the hops and malts (a way of balance through contrast).
Drinkability: I was expecting Sixpoint Beast Mode to be a rather intimidating brew, judging by both the name and the 6.4% ABV on the can. Though overtly bitter, it’s actually a comfortable and smooth brew all around. The mouthfeel is only medium-bodied with the right amount of carbonation and a soft texture. I do detect minute alcohol warmth and flavor, but it’s subtle enough to ignore. Additionally, the hops do linger a bit, but it is washed away quickly by the following swig. I could see this being a great beer for savory food pairing.
Grade: 8/10
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