Garrison Grand Baltic Porter Earns Gold

Congratulations goes out to the Garrison Brewing Company for their recent gold medal win for their winter seasonal Grand Baltic Porter - as scored by the Beverage Testing Institute. I received the following press release from Garrison owner Brian Titus who was thrilled with the high rating, but not surprised. "This is one incredible beer that has sold extremely well this winter," stated Titus over the phone during a recent conversation.

Here is Garrison's Press Release:

Baltic Porter Wins Big at World Championships!

Chicago, IL - January 26, 2009 – Award-winning Halifax microbrewer, Garrison Brewing Co., has scored big in the latest round of tastings at the World Beer Championships in Chicago. Since 1981, The Beverage Tasting Institute has run annual tasting panels to provide the industry and consumers with fair and impartial tasting reviews.

Garrison’s latest winter seasonal, “Grand Baltic Porter”, received a gold medal & “Exceptional” rating with a score of 94/100.

“Dark reddish brown. Interesting aroma of honey, pomegranate molasses and sour cherry jam follow through perfectly on a round supple entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium body with granola and cherry notes prominent. Finishes with a very long cocoa dusted nut fade. A superb flavored porter.”
(The Beverage Tasting Institute)

Impressive in its’ own right, the score is also the highest rating ever received by an East Coast brewery in any style. “I’m very happy with the results. This is a truly complex and original brew and it’s great to see a flavoured porter like this be recognized.” said Garrison Brewmaster, Daniel Girard.

Grand Baltic Porter was brewed in the traditional lager style which originates from countries bordering the Baltic Sea. It was brewed with a complex blend of dark malts and the uncommon addition of molasses and the infusion of dates during the boiling process, which created a rich, fruity (berry-like) and malty sweetness dominated by licorice and caramel notes. It is a great compliment to rich dishes, such as beef stews and general tao chicken; it is also excellent with chocolate based desserts.

Garrison also received a silver medal for its’ seasonal “Martello Stout”. Rich flavours of toffee, melted chocolate and roast espresso make this a tasty, easy drinking stout. “Grand Baltic Porter” is available directly from the brewery, through private stores in Halifax and in select NB Liquor stores until April.

Look for more tasting notes on the Grand Baltic Porter as TAPS magazine will be reviewing it in the upcoming Spring tasting panel.