Mateo Rioja Barrel Porter

◎ Appearance

Deep brown to near-black in the glass with a dark garnet translucence at the rim when held to light. A dense tan head forms and gradually recedes, leaving persistent Schaumkleiden down the sides of the glass. Carbonation is moderate and even, appropriate to the style.

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with pronounced roasted malt—cocoa and dark chocolate—layered beneath vanilla and aged oak from prolonged barrel contact. Dark stone fruits emerge gradually: plum and blackberry notes, alongside a subtle wine-like character from the Tempranillo and Garnacha barrels. No sharp alcohol bite; the aromatics remain balanced and inviting.

◐ Taste

Entry is rich and full-bodied, with roasted malt providing the structural foundation—bitter chocolate and coffee without astringency. Mid-palate integrates vanilla and subtle barrel tannins alongside those dark fruits detected on the nose, creating a wine-like complexity. The bitterness (33 IBU) remains restrained, allowing the barrel-derived sweetness and fruit to dominate; any alcohol warmth is well-hidden beneath the overall smooth character.

◑ Finish

The finish extends with lingering vanilla and oak against a fading roasted note. Aftertaste remains dry but not harsh, with a whisper of wine-barrel influence persisting on the palate.