Hershey's chocolate Porter is a medium sweet beer with a touch of bitterness. The sweetness is not overpowering, but it adds a pleasant richness to the overall flavor profile. The bitterness is light, not particularly pronounced, which allows the cocoa flavors to shine through.
Speaking of cocoa, the dominant taste in this beer is definitely chocolate. It has a distinct cocoa flavor that is reminiscent of Hershey's chocolate. The chocolate taste is smooth and velvety, giving the beer a creamy texture. It's like indulging in a rich, chocolatey treat.
There is also a subtle hint of lactose in this Porter. It adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess to the beer, enhancing the chocolate flavors. However, it is not overpowering and doesn't make the beer overly sweet or heavy.
I must admit that I was hoping for a bit more hop presence in this beer. While the chocolate flavors are delicious, they tend to dominate the palate, leaving little room for the hops to make an impression. As a result, the bitterness is quite mild and doesn't provide much balance to the sweetness of the beer. If you're a fan of hop-forward beers, you might find this Porter lacking in that aspect.
In terms of mouthfeel, Hershey's chocolate Porter is medium-bodied with a smooth texture. It goes down easily and has a moderate level of carbonation. The finish is lightly bitter, but it doesn't linger for too long on the palate.
Hershey's chocolate Porter is a tasty beer that delivers on its promise of chocolate flavor. It's a great choice for those who enjoy a sweeter, dessert-like beer. However, if you prefer a more balanced or hop-forward brew, you might find it a bit lacking in those aspects.