For reasons I could never quite fathom, Boston Beer, the makers of Samuel Adams Honey Porter, discontinued this brew in 2000. But happily, the honey porter has started flowing again:: Boston Beer has resurrected Honey Porter as part of their Brewmaster's Collection, and it is being included in a special twelve pack sampler that includes two bottles each of the following:

Honey Porter
Scotch Ale
Boston Ale
Boston Lager
Brown Ale
Black lager

That's a great thing, though I would like to see the beer sold in six-packs, as well as on draft. This may happen, since a number of other beers in the Brewmaster's collection are sold in sixers already. In any event, it's nice to see Honey Porter return.

Samuel Adams Honey Porter actually started out in life as George Washington Porter, a beer made with honey that was brewed by the now-defunct Sam Adams Brewhouse in Philadelphia. Back in July of 1997 I stopped in at this establishment and sampled George Washington Porter, and seem to recall it, as well as the bottled Samuel Adams Honey Porter of the day, being a bit more robust than the present incarnation. But then the brewer claims they have tweaked the recipe for the new version.

I'll let Boston Beer tell you a little about the stuff:

Samuel Adams® Honey Porter is a full-flavored, full-bodied English porter with a substantial roasted malt character, offering a smooth, rounded finish. This beer is brewed with traditional English Ale hops and is dry-hopped with East Kent Goldings, known for their spicy aroma and distinctive, earthy flavor. We brew Honey Porter with Scottish heather honey which balances the spiciness of the hops.

And now let's dig in, shall we?

Samuel Adams Honey Porter pours to a dark brown color with a light layer of creamy head formation and a sweet molasses and toffee nose. The palate is a touch chocolaty, lightly roasty, fruity and rich with dark sweet malt. The molasses and raisiny fruit notes suggest a fresh bran muffin more than anything else (seriously!).

In the finish, a hint of licorice, traces of sweet honey richness, and flowery herbal hops linger on the palate. The beer definitely ends on a sweet note, and there isn't a lot of hop bitterness though hop aroma is present.

OK, so Honey Porter really is back, but come on Jim Koch, give us more than a tease! A tad more body would make this a really super beer, but still and all it's a great all around porter and a very drinkable one to be sure. Do yourself a favor and pick some up today.

Update: As of April of 2007 it looks like Jim Koch has answered the exhortations of beer lovers everywhere. Samuel Adams Honey Porter is now available in six-packs!