Had on tap at the Cloverleaf Tavern in Caldwell, NJ.
Carton Brewing is an interestingly unique beast. I'm almost convinced that they have 2 dart boards - 1 with beer styles and another with random ingredients. Augie (the owner) throws 2 darts, and that's what they brew: Russian Imperial with astronaut ice cream? Sure. Belgian tripel with honey and white truffle? Fuck it, why not? Smoke porter that's reminiscent of cheap, gas station grape cigars? Make it happen.
And the video has it spot on. This beer (as I hinted at above) smells like a cheap, gas station grape cigar. It looks like purple tinged tobacco. And it tastes like you're smoking a cheap, gas station grape cigar.
Now, you'd think this is a bad thing. But it's not. For me at least. It created in me a sense of nostalgia - these are the kind of cigars I used to smoke my freshman and sophomore year in college.
This beer is not for everyone. In fact, it may not be for most people. My recommendation though? Try it. It's a supremely unique beer. Carton isn't really in the business of making subtle beers. They take a flavor profile and run with it. And most of the time it's a home run. This one, I think, falls just short, but is a great example of what brewers can and are doing with hops, malts, and adjuncts to keep craft beer innovative and exciting.
Overall rating: 8.55/10
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