BBC Chapinero Porter

Church in Chapinero

Name: Chapinero Porter

Brewer: Bogotá Beer Company

Type: (Style / mode of delivery) English style porter; Draft, bottle

ABV: 5%

Label (5): 4: 

Look-Cs (20): 14

Snout (15): 10

Texture (20): 13

Flavor (30): 21

X-Factor (10): 9

TOTAL: 71

If this stout were a neighborhood in Bogotá, then it would absolutely be Chapinero. 

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Bogotá Beer Company was started eight years ago, as two craft brewers decided to found their own pubs, in which they could then sling their beers. They now operate ten pubs throughout Bogotá, and draw large crowds of beer lovers. Co-owner and co-founder Berny Silberwasser explained that he saw a niche in a market monopolized by Bavaria, and as he traveled the world tasting more beers, he wanted to bring better options to Colombia. BBC is certainly the most recognizable microbrewery in Colombia, if not all of South America. 

In a sea of watery pilsner style brews, the artisanal beers from BBC offer a welcome reprieve. While their Usaquén Stout was produced in a limited edition, unavailable to me, I was pleased to have the opportunity to sample the Chapinero Porter -- an English style porter that easily matches the quality of the top craft porters in the States, beers such as Edmund Fitzgerald Porter, Anchor Porter, and Smuttynose Robust Porter. Named after a dynamic neighborhood in Bogotá, Chapinero lives up to its name -- robust, complex, and increasingly pleasant. 

"We take no shortcuts," Berny stated, highlighting constant investment in equipment, recipes, training from top brewmasters, and quality control. The complexity and flavor reflects this labor of love.

The label on the bottled version is classic and clean, reflecting the aesthetics of the pub. The beer pours in a deep mahogany, but translucent. The draft version has a gorgeous cascade, forming a thick white cap which persists throughout drinking. The aroma was a bit light, but strongly malty with some fruity essence -- similar to the Edmund Fitzgerald Porter.

A creamy, smooth texture is complimented by chocolately, yet pleasantly bitter flavors. There is sufficient smoke, with a creamy and malty flavor ending in a strongly bitter finish. An ideal drink for a rainy Bogotá afternoon.