McKenzie Raven Baltic Porter

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

Thanks to Vac for sharing this beer at the Welcome Visitors gathering at Obriens. This beer pours a deep mahogany brown color showing considerable color in the flourescent light. The head was huge...and dark tan in color leaving massive amounts of thick lacing. The aroma is thick malt, twigs, chocolate, a slight hint of hoppiness, but some strange lacticness. The flavor continues the milkiness and its becomes almost overwhelming at points. Medium bodied flavors... some nutty hints, mildly carbonated..but aside from the malt...all i got was lactic qualities. Not bad, but somewhat hard to understand type beer!

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Pours a deep brown with some ruby tints. Head is somewhat large, tan, and sticks around for a while. Lacing is nice as well. Aromas of espresso, some fruit (figs, dates, plums), and just a hint of chocolate. Somewhat musty, which isn't nearly as bad as one would think. Taste is impressive really. Loads of sweetness up front, followed by just a hint of brandy, maybe some scotch flavors. Roasted and chocolate malts, along with a pleasant hop bitterness balance this one out quite nicely. Alcohol is apperent, but very very minute in the massive flavors that meld with it. Some fruitiness as well (see above) Mouthfeel is great. Carbonation isn't overwhelming, but is certainly well qualified in the beer. Overall, an excellent beer. I have 2 other McKenzies chilling in my refrigerator and if this is any indication of their abilities, I just can't wait to try them.

Aroma: 6 | Appearance: 6 | Mouthfeel: 5 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 6

opaque dark brown color thin creamy head creamy body, a bit thin no strong flavors, feint hint of roastiness

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

This damn fine brew pours with a dark brown body topped by a thick head with a good amount of lacing. The aroma is sweet with mocha notes, a nice roastiness and a great coffe note. The flavor is slightly sweet yet slightly bitter with nice coffee notes, a touch of berry and some mocha. Full bodied, slightly oily and smooth.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

Bottle. McKenzie is quickly becoming one of my favorite East Coast brewers. This stuff is a great interpretation of the style. Nice dark brown color with a nice sized (almost over carbonated) head. Nice aromas of burnt malt and light chocolate. First taste is a nice, sweet chocolate with some dried fruit and the perfect blend of malts. Mouthfeel is dry and somewhat still lively and smooth at the same time. Sheer brilliance.

Aroma: 10 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 8

Poured a hypnotic indigo color with a fluffy off white head and no real lacing. Dry aroma of roasted malt and chocolate. Taste of coffee and dark fruit while it finishes rather smooth.