Overview:

Yellow Dog Brewing Co. Shake A Paw Smoked Porter is brewed in Port Moody, and as can be seen on the can, is brewed to a relatively sessionable 5% ABV, and a very mild 24 IBUs. Coming in a tallboy can of 473ml makes this the perfect size for a single beer. I picked this up at Firefly Liquor Store in Maple Ridge, but it can be found in stores across the lower mainland, or at the brewery itself.

Aroma:

Strong smokiness, reminiscent of a nice smoked ham or a good smokey bacon, hints of brown sugar and chocolate.

Appearance:

Dark, dark brown, with a cream coloured head that dissipates quickly, very lightly carbonated.

Flavour:

First thing you notice is the smoke, followed by traditional porter flavours of roasted malts, chocolate and coffee. Very light mouthfeel, this is a fairly thin porter with extremely light carbonation. A lot of smoked beers are too one dimensional, and oversmoked, but this one is very nicely balanced, with just the right amount of smokiness to it.

Overall:

An easy drinking smoked porter, Shake A Paw is a beer I'll often order at the brewery or when I see it on tap. Lots of flavour and perfectly balanced levels of smoke make this a smooth, approachable beer that's always popular.

Rating:

7/10. A great example of the style, that unfortunately loses points due to it's low carbonation and thinness. If you ever get the chance to try this beer on a nitro draft line, I highly encourage you to do so, it brings much more body to it, and leaves a long, lingering head. Nitro, I feel, was the way this beer was meant to be served.

Food Pairing:

This beer would pair quite nicely with a nice side of ribs, or any other smoky BBQ meat. Would also pair nicely with a rich chocolate cake or similar heavy dessert.