Edmund Fitzgerald may look black, but raise the glass to reveal an elegant dark brown coloring as light illuminates the body. On top, a thick and foamy tan head weighs down on the beer, with smoky malts and hints of chocolate and coffee rising to the nose. This big porter’s robust indeed: The medium-bodied brew delivers deep caramel sweetness that segues into bitter coffee and roasted malt while a slight smokiness latches on to the back of the throat. Floral hops accent the robust flavors throughout the swallow, adding a new dimension to the brew. A pronounced coffee bitterness lingers into the finish; the beer could benefit from the initial sweetness continuing ever so slightly into the aftertaste, too.
