Uncommon Brewers Baltic Porter

Uncommon Brewers are from Santa Cruz, California.  This beer is certified organic, is unfiltered, unpasteurized and is 7.8% ABV.  This porter is brewed with licorice and star anise.

This beer pours coal black with an inch of thick and foamy head that is light brown in color.  The aroma is dark roasted malt, a bit of coffee, a hint of black licorice, but not as strong as I expected knowing it had licorice and star anise in it.  The taste is sweet, rich dark roasted malt, coffee with mocha.  Again, the added herbal flavors are subtle, blending well with the dark malt, licorice and anise around the edges.  It is intensely carbonated, nearly exploding with fizz in the mouth.

From the can: 

     Late in the 18th century Britain's great brewing families were working hard to break into new markets.  For the Baltic Sea ports they created an export version of the traditional British Porter.  Styled like an IPA to preserve them for the voyage, those profound Baltic Porters served to ward off the chill winds of that northern sea.

     That said, we weren't satisfied with the Baltic Porter's traditionally subtle hint of black licorice.  This ale features a blend of whole licorice root and star anise to create an uncommon addition to that traditional export Porter's hearty character.