Well, I saved the best for last. I'll round out this new year's tour of California micro-breweries by heading down south to San Marcos for a $5.99 bomber of Port Brewing Company's Old Viscosity Ale. If you don't feel like reading a bunch of long winded, rosy prose, I LIKE THIS BEER A LOT AND THINK IT'S REALLY YUMMY! YUM!
As the name implies, Old Viscosity is as thick as used engine oil. Not only is it thick, but it is black as night. I held this pint up to a 100 watt light bulb to see if any luminescence would make its way through, and not a hint of brightness emerged. The ale pours with almost no trace of head, which only reinforces its resemblance to crude oil. Thankfully, the beer tastes nothing like petroleum.
At first, the 10% ABV slaps you in the face. But, as if being slapped by an adored lover, the brash alcohol zip is quickly soothed and transitions into more of a smooth, high end whiskey finish. Old Viscosity is aged in oak barrels, and the cask taste makes its appearance with the whiskey. The co-stars that emerge on the palate are subtle: roasted coffee, molasses, maybe a hint of anise.
This beer made me an instant fan of Port Brewing. The small company has a somewhat interesting story that involves them collaborating with another San Diego area craft brewery, Stone Brewing Company, to increase its distribution. I'm appreciative of this collaboration, since it means that I no longer have to drive to Berkeley to find Port's gems. If you ever find yourself in California, be sure to track down a bottle of Old Viscosity.
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