Okay, let's get the elephant in the room out of the way - the name of the brewery (Intercourse) and the beer (Blue Ball Porter). Those not living in the Philadelphia area may not be aware that there is a town out in "Amish country" called Intercourse. Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand, and Paradise are other nearby towns - and Paradise Pale Ale is another beer in Intercourse's line up.
Since we're in the midst of another major snowstorm (as of 12:45 pm there is close to 20" on the ground, maybe even more?) I thought I'd try the porter rather than the Pale Ale. I'll save that for another day.
I like this porter. Other people may feel differently, because there is the taste of blueberries mixed with the smokiness that you'd expect in a porter. For me it works. It pours a deep, dark brown. You definitely get the smoky malts in the smell, as well as the hint of blueberries. The taste is the same - smoke flavors mixed with some sweet from the blueberries. I don't usually like fruit-flavored beers, but I guess that the smokiness balances it out, making it drinkable to me. It's low ABV - 5.2% - adds to its drinkability.
Intercourse is a newish brewery, started in June 2008. Originally the plan was to brew in Intercourse but it turns out that's a dry town (the 12-year old boy I never was has some things he'd like to say about that) so the beers are being brewed in Wilkes Barre. Distribution is limited to Philly and the surrounding areas for now, so it will likely be hard for those not in the area to find one. However, if you do, I think it's worth giving it a try.
Nice review!
ReplyDelete"the 12-year old boy I never was..." HAHAHA!!!
I don't buy the dry town excuse as to why its brewed in Wilkes-Barre. Jack Daniels is distilled in a dry county. Even if Intercourse is a no-go, why not brew in Blue Ball, Bird-in-Hand, or Paradise? I suspect the reason is that it is easier to have the huge Lion Brewery in Wilkes-Barre contract brew it than to set up your own brewery and bottling operation.
ReplyDeleteThe combination of being contract brewed and the gimmick naming made them a must-miss for me. Since you (and others) have liked it, I'll give it a try.
I've heard other people say the same thing about the Lion Brewery. I don't know what the real story is, to be honest. I also know others who don't like the gimmicky-ness of the name, but it really is a pretty good beer. I haven't tried the others, but people seem to like them, too.
ReplyDeleteHey Beer Girl,
ReplyDeleteNot sure if you have tried the Paradise Pale Ale, but it's my favorite Intercourse Brew. VERY Drinkable.
It's still in my fridge, just waiting for me to try it! Maybe one night this week. I'll let you know what I think.
ReplyDeleteWhere are you finding it?
ReplyDeleteI haven't found it around the city. I was given one a while back and wrote the review then.
ReplyDelete