Embrr Rye Porter (review)

New for fall 2014, just in time for the cold weather, Ithaca Beer Co. has added a Rye Porter to their line up in the form of Embrr (not a typo). Weighing in at 6.6% ABV Embrr is a rich, dark, comforting, filling beer to warm your heart during the short, dark days of winter. Its also my first review of a porter on this blog which so far has mainly focused on IPAs.

The Porter style of beer originated in 18^th century London and is a dark, well aged brew descended from ’brown beer.” The darkest of Porters are of course now known as Stouts.

Embrr is indeed dark. After the brownish head dissolves, it appears solid black in the glass, with hints of red/brown visible at the edges in the right light.

 According to the brewer, Embrr "...is brewed with a hefty portion of rye and flaked rye to give this smooth porter a rich chocolaty body and hint of spice. Embrr is brewed with 2-Row, Chocolate, Rye, Flaked Rye, Crystal, Roasted Barley, and Sybilla hops."

The aroma is lackluster and metallic. But this is a beer that must be tasted.  I would describe the flavor more as roasted nuts and coffee with hints of charcoal, than chocolate. Embrr is also quite bitter, and yet somehow smooth. I quite like it. Its a beer I could get used to.