Mimasaka Chocolate Porter is a 5% porter from Mimasaka Beer Works, based in Maniwa, in Okayama, Japan. It’s part of their limited edition lineup with this one being released in 2020. At the time of writing, it is unknown whether Mimasaka Chocolate Porter is a one-off or will be released again.
Mimasaka Chocolate Porter Aroma and Taste
Mimasaka Chocolate Porter poured out a pitch black colour with a thick slightly off-white head on top that clung to the side of the glass as if its life depended on it. It left streaky brownish trails down the side of the glass too. Mimasaka Chocolate Porter had a strong dark chocolate aroma, with a slight nuttiness to it, with some hints of roasted black malt as well for good measure. Once Mimasaka Chocolate Porter had warmed up, there was also a subtle phenol aroma coming off it, which was more fruity than off-putting. A little strange to have that come through the chocolate aromas and took me by surprise.
Once I had given Mimasaka Chocolate Porter the time to warm up, the dark chocolate flavours were more full-bodied than when the beer was chilled, and alongside the roasted black malt and coffee flavours, helped soften the phenolic-like flavour in the beer. It would have been nicer if the phenols were not there to be honest – while they were not overpowering, it did seem a bit weird to have them in a porter. Perhaps there had been some Belgian yeast used in this beer during the fermentation? Who knows. But the dark chocolate flavour brought a faint bitterness towards the end, and faded slowly during the aftertaste.
Mimasaka Chocolate Porter The Bottom Line
A change in yeast would make Mimasaka Chocolate Porter a good beer.
Where to Buy Mimasaka Chocolate Porter
Mimasaka Chocolate Porter can be bought online at the following places:
