Vermont Longtrail Imperial Porter

[SAMPLER]

The wife and I went out last night for our anniversary and I ended up with a Long Trail Imperial Porter from their Brewmasters series in front of me at the table. All I can say is wow, it was delicious.

http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/94/51679/?ba=IronCitySteve

Anyone tried it before?

Any idea for a clone?

This is a must have going into the winter months.

 

[SAMPLER]

Here is some more information....

Notes: Draught at Long Trial Brewing Company – Bridgewater Corners, VT. Picked up a 22 oz. bomber that will be ready to crack Fall of 2011.

Malts: Two-Row, Cara Munich, Caramel 80L, Wheat, Roasted Barley, Chocolate

Hops: Nugget, Centennial, Simcoe, Amarillo

Style: Baltic Porter

ABV: 8.3% ABV

IBUs: 56

Appearance: Midnight in the Sahara; ever so faint glow of campfires on the horizon.

Head: Outstanding tight, mocha head that wouldn’t quit.

Lacing: Soapy and steady.

Nose: Massive notes of coffee and grass yield to roasty toasty alcohol warmth.

Taste: Surprisingly crisp. Hoppy bitterness and an alcohol bite yield to huge coffee, caramel, and vanilla flavors. Long, glorious finish. An epic, full, bruiser of a brew.

Mouthfeel: Moderate carbonation with a slick, oily back.

Drinkability: Very high, provided you haven’t planned a busy day of heavy construction. Let the warm, rich porter sink into your soul, toast the crisp, cool Vermont air, and thank God for beer.

 

[Oldsock]

Seems like you've got most of the info you need there already. You could try emailing the brewery to see if they'll give you % on the grain, but otherwise I'd do something like 80% pale, 6% wheat malt, 4% CaraMunich and C80, 3% chocolate and roast (aim for ~1.085). Doesn't sound too hoppy, so bitter with your choice of hops to 56 IBUs and toss a small addition in near the end of the boil if you want some aroma. Ferment cool with a clean ale yeast. Give it plenty of time to mellow, and enjoy.

I just did a smoked Baltic porter a few weeks ago that is still lagering:
41.4% - 6.00 lbs. Weyermann Smoked Malt
20.7% - 3.00 lbs. German Munich Malt
20.7% - 3.00 lbs. French Pilsen
6.9% - 1.00 lbs. Flaked Rye
5.2% - 0.75 lbs. Brown Malt
5.2% - 0.75 lbs. Carafa Special II

 

[SAMPLER]

I just emailed the brewery, if anyone is interested I'll report back if I hear anything.

 

[lacticacid]

I would be interested if you heard back.

 

[YukonLT]

One of my all time favorite brews! I love the time of year when the Imperial Porter comes out

 

[vtchuck]

Long Trail generally encourages homebrewers and the clone recipe for DoubleBag was in BYO a few years back. The Brewmasters series used to be available only on draft at the pub in Bridgewater, but is now available in bombers.

If you ever have a chance to visit the pub / brewery in Bridgewater, check it out. There's always something interesting on tap and the pub fare is delicious.

 

[YukonLT]

Long Trail generally encourages homebrewers and the clone recipe for DoubleBag was in BYO a few years back. The Brewmasters series used to be available only on draft at the pub in Bridgewater, but is now available in bombers.

If you ever have a chance to visit the pub / brewery in Bridgewater, check it out. There's always something interesting on tap and the pub fare is delicious.

Couldn't agree more. I have been to the brewery numerous times and still continue to go as much as possible. I think I have one o everything from the merchandise store hahaha