Vibrant Forest Crosswinds

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

The River Ale House, East Greenwich, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		19 Dec 2025	This Baltic porter from just outside Hardley, south of Southampton's estuary was now on its third night. Still very good head and lacing with a creaminess still evident on top and lasting. A slightly smoky first hit. Its seven different malts adding to its recurring smoky maltiness. A fruity spiciness rising with hints of biscuity sweetness and touches of toasted bread, coffee, chocolate and caramel. A dry malty bitterness abseiling out. One half again sufficed at 7% and after a good few Gadds' Hoppy Pale Ales.
Philip Pirrip	Not Tried	18 Dec 2025
Hogan Sampling		18 Dec 2025	Second night on for this Baltic porter* from just outside Hardley, south of Southampton's estuary across Southampton Water. Good head and lacing with a creamy top to it and lasting. A malty first hit from its seven different malts and fermented with house lager yeast. A fruity spiciness rising with hints of biscuity sweetness. Hints of toasted bread, coffee, chocolate, and caramel emerging. A dry maltiness winning over with the odd bitter note abseiling out. One half sufficed at 7% and after a good few Iron Pier bitters! *A Baltic Porter is a strong, dark beer style that bridges the gap between traditional English Porters and Russian Imperial Stouts, emanating from the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea (such as Poland, Estonia and Finland) in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Philip Pirrip		17 Dec 2025	Needed more condition to carry off this 7% stronger ale
Hogan Sampling	Not Tried	04 Apr 2025
Philip Pirrip		03 Apr 2025	Inevitably holding up well as a 7%er
Hogan Sampling		03 Apr 2025	Good head and lacing on this New Forest porter. A very dry first hit. Then a maltiness coming to get you with 7 malts involved according to the tasting notes. A very moreish mouthfeel and would not guess its strength in the least and with a long-lasting malty dry aftertaste.
Philip Pirrip		02 Apr 2025	Baltic Porter which held good head and lacing throughout