Beer Colonial Brewing Co Robust Porter (2022)

Colonial's Robust Porter is a longstanding favourite within the brewery team, with the seasonal stalwart brewed in time for winter since 2014. But, while the dark beer has a long history, it's one that's evolving with the recipe changing slightly each year.

For 2022’s iteration, the biggest twist has been the addition of Mosaic hops (alongside two they've previously used in Centennial and Perle) that add the softest array of tropical fruits. That’s not to say we're anywhere near black IPA or hoppy dark ale territory; no, those fruits are instead delivered with a gentle touch to sit alongside the beer’s richer chocolate and light caramel. Those in turn have their own balancing counterpart in the shape of Robust Porter's mix of roasted barley and freshly-ground coffee, which contribute to quite a dry and bitter finish.

Will Ziebell