$9.99 for 6-pack of 12-oz cans- Purchased at Food City
Background
Summertime is the time for light, crisp, refreshing beers! So I went out and bought a 6-pack of coffee porter…because that’s what I really like!
Black Abbey Brewing Company is based in Nashville, Tennessee, and was founded on the works of Martin Luther…yes, that Martin Luther…but probably not the works you are thinking of. Luther and his wife, Katherina, received The Black Cloister, a monastery in Wittenberg, as a wedding gift, made it their personal residence and she created “what because known as the best beer in Wittenberg. Read more of the story HERE.
The Forty Four is the coffee porter I referenced earlier and they describe it as “(a) robust porter liberally infused with an exclusive blend of Hawaiian and Kenyan coffee beans from our friends at Frothy Monkey. The cold-brewed coffee enhances the natural roast aroma, and pulls deep notes of chocolate and caramel.” It weighs in at 4.8% ABV with a low 25 IBUs.
According to Untappd, this beer was formerly known as POTUS 44, which would be a direct reference to President Obama. With the name change to “The Forty Four,” it becomes more of a general reference to the “Presidents Club” that includes the previous 43. I’m guessing this came out before our current President took office and they didn’t want to change the name to “The Forty Five” because that would just confuse things…maybe they’ll honor President Trump with his own beer one day…or maybe I shouldn’t hold my breath.
Side note…looking around on Black Abbey’s website, I came across a Limited Release beer they did called “Brother Maynard,” complete with an image of the Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch. “Once the number three, being the third number, be reached, then, lobbest thou thy Holy Hand Grenade of Antioch towards thy foe, who, being naughty in My sight, shall snuff it. Amen.” Back to the review…one, two, five!
Notes
In recognition that it was a terribly hot day—92º at 5:30 and the sun beating down through the shades I recently installed on the front porch—I elected to just do a short cigar with this beer today. Luckily, I had on hand one of my favorite shorties…Mi Querida Pequeño Pequeño by Dunbarton Tobacco & Trust.
The Forty Four is as black and forbidding as any porter or stout when you pour it in a glass. It had a medium amount of foamy head that mostly went away pretty quickly, although there was still a thin foam ring at the top of the beer five minutes after pouring.
What I’ve found about The Forty Four—and what makes it such an easy choice on a hot summer day—is that it is fairly light for a porter. Not as lite as a “lite” beer option, obviously…but some of us value flavor over all else, so I’m really picky about pilsners. This porter is mildly sweet with a coffee note that isn’t overwhelming, but not an afterthought, either. Again, very appropriate for a day like today.
The Mi Querida had more sweetness than the beer, its Connecticut Broadleaf wrapper and Nicaraguan innards providing dark chocolate, earth and pepper spice notes that were an excellent complement to The Forty Four.
It’s not every day even I will pick up a porter or stout in the midst of summer…but the Forty Four by Black Abbey is a great one to reach for. It won’t be too filling or make you feel too bloated after having just one, like many stouts will.
