For my first entry, I will dedicate my rantings to a $5.99 six-pack I picked up at Trader Joe's tonight. Black Toad "Distinctive Dark Ale" hails from the Black Toad Brewing Co. of Chicago, Illinois. I've never heard of these guys before, so I am guessing they directly distribute to TJ's (though the labels are crooked and caps are "generic" blank). I won't let this persuade my judgment alone as TJ's is a respectable establishment and generally carries quality products.
Black Toad does not disappoint by its claim to brewing a dark ale. This is a very dark ale by means of "dark and roasted" barley malts, as claimed upon their misshaped labels. This is reason number one by why I felt this beer falls very close to a porter. Secondly, the color gives off a slight reddish hue, as does most porters as well. However, first impressions only last so long.
Pouring it into my glass, I noticed the head was thin and practically disappeared almost instantly. I thought that only happens with cheap American beers! I suspect this brewery bottle conditions their product. They also use cheap-o homebrew caps so I suspect some CO2 escaped during shipping. Maybe a combination of both.
The taste is supposed to contain a nutty flavor. I tasted a very dark chocolaty flavor with a bland and fleeting maltiness. The only flavor that remains is a light roasted flavor. This beer makes for a good dinner companion of bbq'ed meats.
With an abv of approximately 3.5%, its definitely not a kick in the butt, but rather a mild beer to enjoy throughout the night. Its porter consistency will confuse most on this, as dark beers are usually misconstrued as being the most alcoholic out of all beers.
