Each year, Brewer’s Choice features a new beer recipe created by Shipyard’s award-winning brew house team.

“This year, three recipes were submitted by our brewers,” noted master brewer Alan Pugsley. “Each beer was taste tested at select brew pubs in Maine, and Bruce Elam’s Honey Porter was the customer favorite and will now be distributed around the country.”

Elam believes Porter is an under appreciated style and hopes to change some minds with this brew.

“It’s exciting to have a little piece of your heart and soul out there for people to try,” said Elam.

Other contenders were David Hall’s Scotch Ale featuring a smoked malt flavor and Joe Rank’s Session Bitter showcasing his personal favorite, Mount Hood hops.

Shipyard will brew a 10,000 case run of Brewer’s Choice 2007 Honey Porter which will be available in 6-packs, 12-packs, and on draft.

The pleasing complexity of this limited edition brew comes from the interplay between the roasted nutty undertones of Crystal, Chocolate and Black malts and the sweetness of orange blossom honey. Balance is achieved by the addition of Warrior and Tettnang hops. Ample body and smooth mouth feel enhance drinkabilty. Don’t get stung and miss this one! 6.25% alcohol by volume.

I’ve had some wonderful honey porters over the years, and even Boston beer used to make a good one. Honey porters in my experience are excellent beers to use in cooking, too. It’s a shame you don’t see too many of them these days. I look forward to giving this one a try next year.