Beer Review: Peanut Butter Porter and Marionberry Red Ale (Scout)

By Martin Cizmar

Peanut butter beer's time has come. Actually, this is one brewing trend where Portland is slightly behind—while we have Rogue's gross Voodoo Doughnut-themed banana-and-peanut butter ale, there has yet to be a serious local peanut butter brew. Well, the owner of the Scout beer carts is now trying it with the help of Portland U-Brew. Scout ups the ante with a marionberry-flavored red ale that can be blended in to create a liquid PB&J sandwich. Unfortunately, it's not quite there yet. Unlike the best peanut butter beer I've had, Nutcase Peanut Butter Porter from Cincinnati, it's lacking the big, chunky nut flavor. Actually, while Scout boss Joe St. Martin's recipe uses powdered peanut butter essence, the beer tastes almost like it was done with specialty malts alone. The marionberry red is closer, but not exactly ripe and jammy. Together, it's a tastier brew, but I'd rather pour a framboise over peanut butter ice cream. Here's hoping Scout follows this trail a little further. Not recommended.

WWeek 2015

Willamette Week’s reporting has concrete impacts that change laws, force action from civic leaders, and drive compromised politicians from public office. Support WW's journalism today.