Diamond Bear Brewing Company - Paradise Porter

Expect the color of deep cola with flashes of garnet when held to the light. On the nose, this porter is very true to style: Look for roasted malts, touches of dark chocolate and coffee, black currants, spicy hop notes, and a hint of licorice. The aroma profile comes through on the palate as well, although the hint of licorice seemed to fade away in favor of a plum-like note. While there are many “shades” within the porter styles, roasty notes are usually fairly prominent, and Paradise Porter is no exception, presenting strong, roasty, coffee-like flavors. This brew finishes with a bitter kick from the hops and the black malt, and there’s a spicy, roasty final note that comes through with a certain lager-like cleanliness and leafy, earthy, minerally hops. A great example of the style, we think this would be a great beer to enjoy over a campfire and s’mores, or as the perfect accompaniment to steak or pork chops from the grill.

Built within what was once a Studebaker dealership, Diamond Bear Brewing Company became the first production brewery in Little Rock in more than 15 years when it opened in the fall of 2000. For a state that is not known for its craft beer culture, this small brewery is a quite a treasure trove for lovers of good beer. While Arkansas may not yet be home to many breweries or watering holes that serve up good local beer, Diamond Bear has managed to put the state on the map, bringing the region quality beers just as tasty as those of any other state in the union.

Arkansans have Germany and Russ Melton, the brewery’s CEO and president, to thank for the beer oasis that is Diamond Bear. It was during Russ’ four year stint in the military in Germany that he picked up a taste for high-quality beer (a story we’ve seen repeated numerous times with other microbrewery founders). In 1999, Russ and his wife Sue (both Little Rock natives) developed the idea for a local microbrewery. With the help of seven other owners, Russ and Sue built the brewery and began production in September of 2000. Their mission statement: “To provide the people of Arkansas and the surrounding region with their own local brewery, which produces great premium all natural beer products, which reflect favorably on Arkansas and the surrounding region.” Well, to that we say “Mission Accomplished!”

To learn more about the brewery and scheduled tours, contact them at (501) 708-2739, or visit their website at www.diamondbear.com.