Abandoned Rail Brewing is a family run craft brewery that has the benefit of growing their own ingredients. Farming along the Naramata Bench - a stretch of land between Penticton Creek and Okanagan Mountain Park in British Columbia - AR Brewing enjoys their own barley in the brewing process. Being so close to some of the best fruit farming on the planet, ARB looks to the bounty of apples, peaches, and more for inspiration in infused beers. If you’re hanging around Kelowna and looking for something to blow up your taste buds, take the trip south to Abandoned Rail’s tap room, on the outskirts of Penticton, and try one of the dozen beers they’ve got on their slate. The Bellhop Porter is an English-style Porter, aiming to capture the flavour profile of the old-school British brewing that was done on the farmstead. Serves well at 8°C and can cellar for up to a year.
Pours a deep brown verging on opaque black, with low carbonation. A fizzy head of small bubbles rests on top for a while.
Delicious, classic porter aromas of roasted coffee beans, baker’s chocolate, and sweet caramel malt.
Initial flavours will have you thinking of a straight down the plate Porter, but as it hits the palate this beer takes an interesting turn. The drier, herbal elements step in, adding smokey flavours, earthiness, a strong roasted malt flavour, and caramelized toffee. It turns to a slightly bitter side of things, but also has more depth and contrast between the flavours. Definitely for those who want some adventure in their Porter.
Dig into some grilled Hot Italian Sausage on a fresh roll, some sautéed onions to boot.