Clipper City Brewing Company - Clipper City Porter

Clipper City Porter is brewed by Brewmaster Jerry Rush with combination of 2-row pale, Caramel, Chocolate and Black Patent malts. Galena hops are added for their bittering contributions, while Tettnang hops are used for their aromatic characteristics. The brewery uses a Saccaromyces Cerevisea yeast stain to produce this filtered, full-bodied ale. Note a malty, roasted nose up front. Immediately note a nice subtle mix of hops and slight malt aroma in this beer’s nose. Look for great head retention in this clear, dark brown, full-bodied beer. The flavor profile starts out caramelly, has a smooth, almost bittersweet toffee-like, clean middle and ends with a nice roasted, slightly mild spicy hop finish. Overall, a great Porter! Very clean and full of flavor.

Clipper City owner Hugh Sisson is a true brewing pioneer. In 1983, as owner and founder of Sisson’s, a restaurant and bar in Baltimore, he decided that he wanted to brew beer in his restaurant. Unfortunately, the laws in Maryland were not in his favor and his plan to open a brewpub was thwarted. What’s up with that state and their lame liquor laws? In the true entrepreneurial spirit, he challenged the state to change the laws and anyone who’s ever dealt with government agencies can tell you that this is no easy task. Go Hugh, Go! Perseverance prevailed in 1989 when Maryland changed their laws and Hugh opened the first brewpub in the state.

He stuck with it until 1994, when he had the itch to open a full-scale microbrewery. And guess who didn’t want him to own both a brewery and brewpub? The State, you say? You got it. I’m trying to think of just what legal grounds were conjured up to prevent Hugh from doing both and can’t come up with a thought on the matter. Regardless of why, Hugh got back on his horse, sharpened the sword and prepared to do battle with the State again. And wouldn’t you know…he won again! In early 1996 Clipper City Brewing officially opened their doors and brewing commenced. Since that time, Clipper City has gained a fantastic reputation throughout Maryland among beer lovers.

For more information about the brewery and scheduled tours, call (410) 247-7822 or check out their web site at www.clippercitybeer.com.