Each month, as part of this 366-day BC craft beer extravaganza that I will be sharing with you throughout 2016, I will highlight a specific style or theme of beers for a whole week of articles. I used to be hesitant about drinking porters, believing them to mostly be coffee-based in the flavour department. Once I realized that was only half true, a whole new world was opened to me and that’s a world I want to share with others.

Mrs. Sip and I lead a fairly active social life. Thankfully, our friends are like-minded on the craft beer front and that means coming into contact with some really good brews, including today’s feature from Four Winds Brewing.

I liked the Oat Porter, which came exactly as one would expect: dark and oaty (yes, I realize that’s not technically a real word, but it perfectly describes the experience!). At 5.5% ABV, the beer isn’t too heavy and is quite smooth.

Available in the fall and winter seasons only, the Oat Porter can be found in four-packs, as well as on tap at the Four Winds tasting room. The company writes of the beer: “Our take on this centuries-old style employs the humble oat to promote a smooth and creamy mouthfeel while chocolate malts and roasted barley bolster brilliant tones of cocoa and coffee.”

Despite Four Winds being my hometown brewery, I don’t think I’ve tried this release before. It’s been some time since I was able to visit their facility and I’ll have to make a point of doing so next time I’m in the area.

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