Naughty & Spiced ... Winter Porter from Russell!

As we dip into the Holiday season, I have been wanting to sink into a good brew to get me started. I've already had the GIB Winter Ale, which is a staple to anyone in B.C., and the Whistler Winter Ale, which is the hidden gem of winter ales in B.C.

However, I have yet to taste a 2013 version of a Winter Porter, until tonight. My girlfriend brought me the Russell Naughty & Spiced Porter (6.5% ABV; 30 IBU). She bought it out of the blue...because she knows my 3 favourite things, and beer is one of them.

I popped the bottle open, and poured into my glass, only to be initially saddened by a lack of head from the pour. Honestly, it looks like every other porter under the head. You can't see through the damn glass; that's a porter for you.

Russell Brewing Co. Naughty & Spiced Porter @ Brewji's House

During the initial smell test, it smells like a black porter would, strong hints of roasted malts, and cocoa powder. However, the bottle says it's naughty and spiced. I could barely sniff a hint of something, but couldn't tell what it was.

As I took my first sip, I could immediately taste hints of nutmeg and cinnamon. It smelled like a little bit of the holidays thrown into a porter. The inital taste was surprisingly good. The texture and mouthfeel were calm and smooth. This brew is very drinkable, especially for being 6.5%.

What would I pair this with? A gingerbread cookie. Seriously.

My girlfriend's sister baked me a delicious assortment of baked goods, consisting of gingerbread cookies, among other things. The gingerbread cookie went so well with this beer. Having this beer without a gingerbread cookie would be like drinking rich hot chocolate without whipped cream.

If you get a chance this holiday season -- regardless of what you celebrate, this brew is a great addition to any stocking. If you're just in the mood for a brew, this will do, too!

The Russell Brewing Co. Naughty & Spiced Porter gets a silky, smooth, and spiced 8.5 / 10