Cats are notoriously mischeavious at Christmas. Into trees, presents and generally anywhere they shouldn't be. But this porter is smoother than a sleeping cat by the fireside.
Brewed to be Brass Castle's popular Bad Kitty vanilla porter but with the addition of festive spices; this one is a seasonal special from the brewery that's rich, flavoursome and goes down smooth.
The aroma is mainly sweet from the vanilla, with a hint of spice but not too much to be that obvious. It pours quite light in body but despite that has a richness to the aroma that comes out in the pour, which is much spicier.
The initial flavour is one of lightness, which is odd in a porter, and it doesn't feel heavy in the mouth at all. The spiciness is present mainly in the form of cinnamon, which adds a lovely flavour to the vanilla sweetness that really sets it off.
The aftertaste sees the spiciness fade again into a vanilla flavour that has a little bitterness in it; which is unusual as that's the only part of the drink that has any bitterness at all.
The can is striking, and not very festive at all. But the name emblazoned in bold silver against the pink background actually makes it more eye-catching, especially when you realise it's a Christmas brew.
The design is baubles, in bright pink, silver and dark grey which are very effective against the black background. Interspersed between the baubles is the odd 'bad kitty' image that Brass Castle use in their namesake brew.
You'll have to go to the Brass Castle site for this one but, as with all our seasonal review beers, because they're limited edition you'll have to be quick and they might already have gone.
Just as mischievous as their namesake, they're quickly vanishing out of the door like a bad kitty.
