Big Sky Brewing Company-Bobo's Robust Porter: Full Flavor a GO(go)

           My week finished out pretty strong this time around.  Work wasn’t great, but my girlfriend was being normal for once, and even did the laundry.  As evening rolled around, I was finally able to try Big Sky Brewing Company’s TGBOAT acclaimed porter; Bobo’s Robust Porter.  I had over-looked this bottled blackness for way too long.  This was to be my first run in with Big Sky and, always eager to try new things, I was giddy like a freshman going to his first house party. 

            Bobo’s Robust Porter poured an opaque, thick, dark-chocolate color.  An inch or so of a frothy tan head disappeared quickly, but carbonation was still apparent in this brew as bubbles clung to the inside of the glass.  I immediately noticed the pleasant nutty malt aromas rising from the brew along with the faint bitterness of alcohol.  These were followed by a rich smoky flavor full of subtleties.  Strong smoky malts, sweetness, chocolaty goodness, and a generous hop bitterness round out the full flavors of this porter.  This Big Sky concoction had a pleasing feel to accompany the taste; smooth and full-bodied, just like a lady.

            Bobo’s gave me a great first experience with Big Sky and I rather enjoyed it.  A classic porter with many flavors that blend together to create a unique experience.  I am saddened only by the fact that I let this one escape me for so long.  It was, however, an awesome surprise; it was the five dollars in my pants pocket after doing laundry.  Not only did I get a nice surprise, but this beer is a perfect way to relax after a long week of teaching Chicago’s miscreant children.  Cheers to Big Sky, see you again soon.

ABV: 6.2%

Consumed: Pint

Verdict: Buy a Twelve pack

Big Sky Brewing Company- Bobo’s Robust Porter- Limited Release… should you care?

On a lazy Sunday in May a local brew dude approaches an unfamiliar view for a brew review or two. His hands are trembling with fear and anticipation. He is at a crossroads. For you see my friends he loves Big Sky Brewing Company, however, he is not a huge fan of the porter variety of beer. The big, smoky flavors often turn him away and frighten his weak little taste buds. Could he conquer his fear and topple this beer?

All melodrama aside, I was not very eager to review this or any porter. They have simply never been my favorite. Bobo’s Robust Porter poured extremely foamy with an over abundance of mud brown foam. It has the scents anyone would expect to find in a porter, a pronounced aroma of roasted malts, with hints coffee and sweet leathery undertones. The overall nostril impression was actually very positive and reminiscent of an Oatmeal stout.

Bobo’s Robust Porter was as close to black as a beer gets in color. So far this brew is on par with my usual Porter experience.  The flavor of Bobo’s is where this brew begins to shine. The flavor is exceptionally mellow. It has a great toasted flavor that manages to avoid coming across as smoky. This leaves room for hints of coffee and a slight alcohol bite that reminded me of a good red wine. I was very impressed by the subtle nuances and complexities of Bobo’s Robust Porter. I expected to be annoyed and actually found a very drinkable and appetizing porter that would serve as a great introduction to anyone looking to step out of their comfort zone.

ABV 6.2%

Consumed: Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack

Big Sky Brewing Company- Bobo’s Robust Porter: Porter Me Another One

Today is somewhat of a dark day for me.  Most people may not agree but my youngest children (twin girls) celebrated their 10^th birthday.  No more children in the single digits, and this means that I am ever so close to teenage hormonal hell.  It’s bad enough that my 12 year old daughter is at the beginning stages of pre-teen madness.  I am held prisoner in an estrogen den surrounded by females…it’s no wonder that I am sensing the dark days ahead.  So I thought that I would accent my mood with a beer as dark as my outlook.  The perfect companion turned out to be Big Sky Brewing Company’s Bobo’s Robust Porter (Limited Release).

Big Sky Brewing Company classifies this dark brew as a Robust Porter and their website describes Bobo’s as, “A small bottle with big flavor!  Brewed with 6 different malts and generously hopped, robust doesn’t really begin to describe this beer.  Smooth chocolate flavors with hints of coffee, caramel and vanilla.  Hop presence is copious and is matched by the rich malt flavors.”

Bobo’s Robust Porter poured a dark chocolate color with a 1 ½” mocha colored head, deep roasted malt & chocolate aromas and comes in at 6.2% ABV.

Wow.  I am continually amazed by the quality of brew from this Montana crew.  I hate to sound like a mark but Bobo’s is one bad-ass brew.  I am no longer thinking about the soon to be pre-teen female hell that will be consuming my household but looking at the fact that in 8 years…I get to throw them all out.  Bobo’s starts out with a perfect blend of roasted malt magic with hints of chocolate and has a fair hop finish.  Since this is a limited release, I highly suggest that you get your lazy asses out to your local beverage sales establishment and get your hands on some before it is gone.

ABV: 6.2%

Consumed: New Belgium Globe Glass

Verdict: Buy A Twelve Pack