It is cold and dark out. A crackling fire is burning in the fireplace. To me, that means enjoying a nice dark porter in a snifter while reading a Keith McCafferty novel with my dog at my feet.

The porter style of beer is probably my favorite. It is a dark, rich beer with a thick feel . Depending on the brewer, there are notes of dark breads, chocolate and/or coffee . Not much hoppy bitterness should be present . I serve it in a snifter on the warm side with a nice creamy head. This way I can smell as well as taste this robust style of beer.

Put on your favorite slippers, stoke up the fire and enjoy a glass of this wonderful treat.

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