Flora Obscura is an American Porter brewed by Boulevard Brewing Co., and for the purposes of this craft beer review, the ale was served in a nonic pint glass from a bottle.
Appearance
The porter pours a clear mahogany hue that shows ruby highlights at the edge of the glass. The ale is topped by a thick cap of dense, puffy tan-colored foam that shows good retention. Gobs of lace clutch the glass while the head slowly reduces.
Aroma
Dry hopped, the aromatics are fragrant with a scent of fresh pine needles. Notes of chocolate and roast appear as the beer warms.
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Flavor
Roast malt and a dose of citrus hops lead the palate. That bitterness strengthens and climaxes with a mix of floral, citrus hops and roast malt. The bite lingers through the finish and is mellowed slightly by a sweet note of caramel and dark chocolate.
Mouthfeel
Its feel is smooth with a medium body and less-than-moderate carbonation. Finishes dry and mildly astringent.
Overall
Appearance is lovely. Clean and easy to drink. Early in the tasting, the hops dominate the aroma and palate entirely, but as the beer warms, the porter strikes a better balance. Although the dark malts become more pronounced, Flora Obscura still has ample bite to please the hopheads.
Recommended Pairings
Boulevard recommends the following food pairings with their Flora Obscura: barbecue ribs, blackened catfish, chocolate peanut butter cookies, and coconut cream pie.
