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Beer and Cheer: Santa's Little Helper

By Jonathan Shikes in Booze News

Friday, Nov. 28 2008 @ 3:09PM

Santa's Little Helper
Port Brewing Company
San Marcos, California

Port Brewing Company doesn't mess around. The company, which began as a pizza place in Solano Beach and now owns a large brewing facility in San Marcos, makes unbelievably big beers. And like Stone Brewing, their Golden State neighbor to the south, Port puts out one helluva holiday seasonal. Santa's Little Helper, available on Colorado liquor-store shelves for the first time this year, has an almost chocolate-milk-like consistency and roasted chocolate-like flavor. But don't let that kind of kids' stuff fool you. This Russian-style imperial stout also packs a 10 percent alcohol rating, about twice that of a "normal" beer. -- Jonathan Shikes

The beer also has a great description on Port's website, copied below:

"Each and every year, the Jolly Old Fatman sits down and compiles a list of who's been naughty and nice. It's curious that he never knows which list to put our brewers on as this is one naughty but incredibly nice beer.

Originally brewed at the Pizza Port in Solana Beach in November of 1997. As dark as the biggest lump of coal Santa can deliver, this beer has earned a dedicated following and is code named Satan's Little Hangover by those who have indulged in a holiday like manner from time to time.

Originally shipped from London to the Czarist rulers of Russia, Imperial Stouts are stronger, richer and more robust versions of traditional stouts. The increase in alcohol content means that literally, many of these beers are a meal in a glass all on their own. Made from copious amounts of Roasted and Black Barleys, our stout invites you to share a silky black body with hints of freshly pulled espresso from the coffee house, melding with dark bitter sweet chocolate from a Belgian Chocolateer and the ash of a smoldering fire on a dark winters night."

Craft breweries in Colorado and across the country make seasonal beers all year round, but the best of the best come out in the final three months. To see reviews of my other favorites, check out our Booze News blog archive.

Tags: Jonathan Shikes, Port Brewing

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2 comment(s) / Post a Comment

Marc Rikmenspoel says:

The town is actually Solana Beach, and the production facility in San Marcos is Stone's old (original) brewery. And Stone's new facility isn't to the south, it's just around the corner to the east. I made the trip to that area last January, it's well worth it for beer fans! Green Flash is also nearby, making the trip even better!

Posted On: Thursday, Dec. 4 2008 @ 5:53PM

tony raso says:

This is a great beer, but not my favorite from Port, I actually don't know if Port makes a favorite beer for me, there are so many. Between Solana Beach, Carlsbad, San Clemente, and San Marcos, this brewery is one of my favorites. With Green Flash just around the cornmer, the production facility is a must see when you are in the area. You should go to www.sandiegobrewersguild.com where they have a map of all 31 SD breweries, as well as the 7 Allied Pub Members that devote a huge portion of their handles to small batch local beer, most of them keep a current draft list on the site as well. You should definitely check out the Allied Pubs, as you are supporting both the local breweries and the bar owners that help them grow. La Bella Pizza, Hamilton's Tavern and The Liar's Club are the best, but all 7 have a great selection. I used to run La Bella Pizza and I loved every minute of every day, getting to try literally hundreds of small batch local beers. Now I live in Waikiki, and although I don't miss the weather or beaches in San Diego, I definitely miss the beer, because outside of Maui Brewing and Kona Brewing, I am in a craft beer wasteland!

Posted On: Monday, Dec. 22 2008 @ 8:41PM