Mybeerbuzz.com Highlights Switchback Brewing Dooley’s Belated Porter (Review)

I’m a big fan of American Porters, and I think it is one of the most under-rated and under-consumed styles of beer in the craft beer world. I also love getting a chance to sample a porter from a brewery I’ve never been able to visit, so today has “win” written all over.    zzubreebym

For many years I spent a lot of winter months skiing in Vermont, and while today’s brewery didn’t exist when I was skiing the switchbacks in Vermont, I am excited to get a chance to sample some beers from a unique brewery that opened it’s doors in 2002.

I’m talking about Switchback Brewing, and if you’re not familiar, Switchback was founded in 2002 by Bill Cherry and Jeff Nieblum and their beers are not only unfiltered, but also naturally carbonated during fermentation. Switchback also has the honor of being the first Vermont brewery to become 100% employee-owned and their Switchback Ale is also Vermont’s #1 draft beer.

Just a few weeks ago, Switchback Brewing released Dooley’s Belated Porter in 16oz 4-packs for the first time since it was first brewed in 2009…thanks in part to their new high-speed labeling system…and according to brewery founder Bill Cherry, “We love the accessibility that putting our beer into cans brings. The new equipment has opened the door for us to reimagine some of our classics and to introduce new beers from our innovative Brewers and Employee Owners.” This beer is named after Switchback’s first employee Chris Dooley and naturally I can’t wait to take my first sip….so off we go.

Switchback Brewing Dooley’s Belated Porter

Brewery Description:  Our Porter features a blend of roasted and caramelized malts giving it a luscious malt signature that has an earthiness derived from the non-traditional use of ­flaked barley in the grain bill. The bold use of only Simcoe hops for both bittering and aroma highlights this hop varietal and balances the malt to create a robust, yet smooth finishing porter. Long ago, the owner gave his first employee, Chris Dooley, the honor of selecting the next beer style to produce. Dooley (never call him Chris) chose porter. However, the demand for Switchback Ale, our fl­agship brew, exceeded our capacity, preventing the release of this new beer for FIVE years. Our first kegs of Porter were finally sold in December 2009. Considering this long delay, we christened it Dooley’s Belated Porter.

ABV:  5.7%
IBU:  43 
Style: American Porter
Packaging:  16oz cans
Appearance:  Deep brown
Aroma:   Roasted malt & mild dark chocolate
Mouthfeel:   Medium, soft & robust 
Taste:   Mild with a lightly hopped finish
Overall:  Dooley’s Belated Porter has a really interesting combination of roasty and earthy hops and a mild dark chocolate finish. I did find the bitterness from the Simcoe hops lingering in a well balanced way and after a few sips, the malty / hoppy balance really kicked in. Overall this is a really drinkable American porter with a soft mouthfeel and a satisfying finish.

Switchback Brewing Dooley’s Belated Porter is available now in 16oz canned 4-packs as well as on draught at select Vermont, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut beer stores (parts of New York and Virginia as well) and at the brewery; so get out there and try it for yourself. And when you do try it, be sure to let us know what YOU think.

As a bonus, I’ve added in Roasted Red hoppy red ale (5.6%-AbV, 50 IBU, 16oz cans) & Switchback Ale (5%-AbV, 16oz cans)