Wayne Thompson

Porter Thompson

The king of American Porters (England holds the title with Old Engine Oil). This can be harsh on the palate for the inexperienced. Personally, I prefer Bell’s or Stegmaier but not available on the West Coast. Founders is often carried at Grocery Outlet.

Iron Throne Wit Thompson

From San Diego, a decent witbier served in a Pilsner glass gifted to me by Professor Christopher Foote, a former colleague at UCLA. Told me I needed to get out of the lab, instead I left teaching for a research position.

Iron Throne Wit Thompson

Witbier tasting today. Up first is the Mikkeller San Diego version: nice mouthfeel with a lemon-orange-coriander taste. Liking this much better today, definitely Belgian holding its own vs the Belgian imports. Extra point for largest size, 16 ounce.

Iron Throne Wit Thompson

Not as sweet as a Hoe, but flavor is dead on with a strong aroma. Brewed by Mikkeller of San Diego, apparently a new branch similar to Hofbrau US. These brewers stuck to traditional recipe which is smart.

Porter Thompson

Tasting this reminds of 90’s back Philadelphia area, where beer was only available by the case. Drinking a case of this intense porter takes a while. Fortunately it ages extremely well, likely due to high hop level (45 IBU) and dense roasted malts.

Porter Thompson

The malt isn’t just roasted, it is burnt. As close as it gets to a stout. Would not go out of my way to get this, but as a result of the harsh intensity, is periodically available at local Grocery Outlet. Favorite porter is Stegmaier, a PA local favorite

Porter Thompson

The quintessential American porter, regularly stocked even here, 2K miles away. Easier to enjoy if aged for 2 years, as this bottle was, bottled 10.07.20, to tone down the hops. Super intense roasted malt, great if you love expresso like I do.

Porter Thompson

For fans of 90% cocoa dark chocolate.

Porter Thompson

Aged for 10 months to bring out chocolate

Porter Thompson

Founders keepers.

Porter Thompson

The 2020 vintage is dark chocolate and coffee. Hops are kept behind the curtain where they belong. Need new label though.

Curmudgeon Old Ale Thompson

This is truly “old ale”, ben aged 4 years. Purchased in PA.

Porter Thompson

Porter Thompson

Blessed be Founders for distributing their perfect porter to California. Bottled on 10.07.20, perhaps the best vintage I’ve had in the past 15 years.

Porter Thompson

With 45 IBU and 6.5 ABV, this beer ages well. Actually prefer it myself after aging 2 years. This is last bottle of 2018 vintage so may not revisit for couple years.

Porter Thompson

The 11-28-2018 is excellent. As with most rich porters they improve in the cellar.