Goodfire Lift

LIFT is a porter from Goodfire, which puts it in the dark, malt-driven end of the beer aisle. Porters of this style typically pour deep brown to near black with a tan head, and the flavor leans on roasted malt: expect notes of dark chocolate, toasted bread crust, coffee and sometimes a little caramel or dried fruit. Most porters sit at medium body with moderate carbonation and a gentle roasted bitterness rather than the sharp, acrid edge of a stout. The finish is usually dry to off-dry, with the roast lingering briefly. Hop character in the style tends to be restrained and mostly there to balance the malt. That profile makes porter a flexible partner for food. The roasted notes match grilled and smoked meats such as sausages, brisket, pork shoulder and burgers, and the malt sweetness also suits aged cheddar, gouda, mushroom dishes and anything with a seared or caramelized crust. For dessert, it works alongside chocolate brownies, nut tarts and vanilla ice cream, which some people also use as a float. Serve it cool rather than ice cold, ideally around 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C), since heavy chilling mutes the roast and chocolate tones. A tulip or nonic pint glass keeps the aroma gathered and holds the head, and a pint glass is fine for casual pouring. No decanting is needed; pour gently down the side of the glass, leaving any sediment behind if the bottle has settled some. As a regular-strength porter it is best treated as a drink-now beer, enjoyed fresh while the malt character is at its brightest, instead of being cellared.