Mother Earth Brewing- Old Neighborhood: Um, um, um, um, um, Toasty!
Monday, August 15, 2011 at 7:57PM | by Jason 
Today was an absolutely beautiful summer day, the weather was perfect. Unfortunately, I was out in the sun all day and I’m looking like a ripe tomato. The temperatures were in the upper 70’s which means a cool summer night. I have been tearing up the IPA and Pale Ale reviews and I think because it’s a bit cool this evening I may switch to something dark. As I’ve mentioned, I’m trying to clear out the fridge and this particular brew has been in there a while. Lucky for me, Josh Brewer at Mother Earth Brewing sent me out some Old Neighborhood a few months back and my taste buds are primed for something other than an IPA. It’s been about a year since I got to visit and tour Mother Earth Brewing and I’d love to get back there sometime soon. If you’ve ever in the area, I highly suggest you pay a visit to this beautiful brewery and sample their amazing brews. For me, I’m going to dive into some Old Neighborhood and enjoy this cool evening and some free UFC on VS.
Mother Earth Brewing classifies this brew as an Oatmeal Porter and their website describes Old Neighborhood as, “Our Old Neighborhood Oatmeal Porter will take you back to the good old days. This classic dark ale is rich and robust, yet silky smooth. Its distinct roasty essence is deliciously balanced with a slight sweetness, creating a porter that boasts intense flavors.”
Old Neighborhood pours a medium cola brown with a ½” light brown head. The aroma is roasty with hints of toffee and chocolate malts with faint scents of oats.
Um, um, um, um, um, toasty! Old Neighborhood has both a bitter chocolate and sweet chocolate flavor that is rounded off by a roasted malt character. There is slight silkiness to the body and the finish is very dry and crisp. Another thing I dig about Old Neighborhood that I don’t typically find in most Porters is that you get a very complimentary hop bite throughout the flavor. Old Neighborhood has a very well-rounded profile and is easy drinking without making you feel full. This is a perfect brew for a cool summer night or fall nightcap. Once again the Master of Mother Earth Brewing has done it again, this is definitely one of the better Porters out there and if you’re from or in North Carolina pick some up, you won’t regret it. My only regret, is not using sunscreen today…this is gonna hurt tomorrow!!
ABV: 5.5%
Consumed: Peace Tree Brewing Co Pint Glass
Verdict: Buy A Case
