Collective Arts Brewing, CA, Stranger Than Fiction - £3.30, 5.5%

HAILING from Ontario, Collective Arts are an independent brewery with a wide ranging mission. They use their taproom, labels, and events to promote and showcase the work of creatives, musicians, and artists. The result is a core range of beers with an ever evolving array of labels, including this week’s beer, Stranger Than Fiction.

This is a robust porter brewed with a blend of chocolate malts, flaked wheat, and crystal malt; nothing out-there or adventurous. Instead, Collective Arts have created a relatively traditional beer and done it well; winning a World Beer Cup award with this beer in the past.

Pouring deep brown, bordering on black towards the middle of the glass, a thick frothy head of tan foam is built from large, loose bubbles. The aroma is bursting with roasted chestnuts and instant coffee grounds, built upon a bittersweet and creamy toffee base.

Initially clean and crisp, oatmeal and toasted almonds add sweetness with a light touch. As this sweetness builds, the firm bitterness of cascade hops starts to weigh in, adding a solid counterpoint. This is soon enhanced by roasted coffee beans, bitter and chocolaty in equal measure, before a flash of vanilla brightens the finish.

Lightly tacky on the palate, with a measured hop bitterness, Stranger Than Fiction is a delightful and well crafted porter.

Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, York