Chris Shanahan: Beer review — Wig & Pen and Sierra Nevada

Wig and Pen Venom Imperial Ale half-pint $6
Choose your poison? It’s a hard call at the Wig – so many stunningly good brews. But this week it’s Venom: seduced by the estery, apricot-like aroma, then totally won over by a fleshy, velvety, luxurious palate and exciting interplay of unctuous malt and intensely bitter hops.

Sierra Nevada Porter 350ml $6.90
What a beaut porter this is from the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company in Chico, California. The aroma and palate reveal rich, roasted malt character – reminiscent of dark chocolate and toffee. It weighs in at a solid 5.6 per cent alcohol, but it’s lively and balanced on the palate with a refreshing chocolaty, bitter finish.