Growing up in Montana, going to school in Minnesota, and landing my first job in Colorado, I am very familiar with the cruel game that Mother Nature plays in the northern states during March, April, and even May. One day it's 70 and sunny, the next day brings 30 and snow. Luckily here in SoCal, it's pretty much 70 and sunny everyday so we really don't have to worry about that. But, in an act of solidarity to my family and brethren up north, in this rendition of Brant's Beers, we are drinking Port Brewing Old Viscosity, a beer sure to warm up the spirits of anyone facing a snowy April day. And with a name like Old Viscosity and an abv above 10%, this American strong dark ale is a winner.
Old Viscosity pours dark, I mean really dark, like the tint of oil that came out of my brother's truck after he forgot to change it for 8,500 miles. The beer forms a nice tan, almost almond colored, thick, creamy head. The rich, malty aroma is strong right out of the bottle. There are hints of chocolate and bourbon, and a smooth roasted finish, with just a touch of alcohol. The taste of this bad boy is really what it's all about. The beer begins with a big, but smooth roasted, malty flavor that coats the entire tongue, like, well, maybe motor oil might, but it in a really good way. Like the aroma, there are hints of chocolate and bourbon provided by the 20% of the beer in each bottle that is aged in bourbon barrels. The finish is slightly sweet with just the tiniest amount of hops to balance each sip. Old Viscosity is a big, malty behemoth that I am certain would warm up the coldest April day, and 10.5% abv, it would also provide a nice buzz to make you forget that it is snowing in spring.
