Dragonfly Haast River

◎ Appearance

Deep black body beneath a dense, handsome brown foam that clings to the glass with fine lacing. The beer presents as opaque and rich, with excellent head retention that speaks to the quality of its malt bill and carbonation. The foam structure is substantial and well-formed, characteristic of a carefully crafted porter.

◌ Aroma

The nose is dominated by strongly roasted malts that immediately evoke fresh coffee grounds and dark cocoa. Beneath the roasted foundation, subtle notes of dark fruit emerge from the carefully selected hop combination of Simcoe, Cascade, and Chinook. The organic rye adds a faint earthiness that rounds out the aromatic profile without overwhelming the primary roasted and coffee notes.

◐ Taste

The palate enters with a light body that belies the depth of flavor to follow. Coffee and roasted malt dominate the mid-palate, accompanied by smooth chocolate notes and a measured bitterness that remains refined rather than aggressive. The finish is dry and clean, with the rye porter maintaining composure and balance throughout, the 33 IBUs providing structure without harshness.

◑ Finish

The aftertaste is marked by lingering coffee and malt dryness that persists gently on the palate. A subtle roasted bitterness fades cleanly, leaving no astringency or harshness behind.