La Choulette Black Alien Porter 33 cl 8%

Out in the fields around Hordain, beer has been brewed since 1885, in a small farmhouse brewery where time has almost stood still. But one night something strange crept into the kettles - a black, heavy porter with aliens and planets painted on the label, as if the brewery itself had received a visit from outer space.

Expert description of La Choulette Black Choulette Alien Porter

La Choulette was founded in 1885 by Isly Dubois, a cooper from Hordain in northern France, and is still run today in an old-fashioned, traditional farmhouse style. The brewery is best known for its Bières de Garde, but with Black Choulette Alien Porter it shows a completely different, darker side. Alain Dhaussy took over the brewery in the late 1970s and carried the old craft tradition forward - his grandfather had also been a brewer there.

Black Choulette is a powerful, top-fermented porter at 8%, leaning towards the robust Baltic Porter style. It's deeply roasted at its base with clear vanilla sweetness layered on top, and its round, creamy body makes it one of the more surprising bottles in the brewery's otherwise classic range. The alien and starry-sky label is a welcome wink from a brewery that's otherwise true to the soil beneath its feet.

Tasting Notes

Aroma

Heavy and roasted with notes of coffee beans and dark caramel, with a sweet, creamy vanilla aroma lurking behind to soften it all.

Taste

In the mouth you meet roasted coffee and caramelised sugar, sliding into a soft, almost dessert-like vanilla. Some also find a hint of cinnamon in the background.

Finish

Long and creamy with a light sweetness that lingers, while the roasted notes fade slowly away.

Specifications

Name: La Choulette Black Choulette Alien Porter
Brewery: La Choulette
Country/Region: France, Hordain, Hauts-de-France
Beer Style: Porter
ABV: 8%
Size: 33 CL
Fermentation: Top-fermented
Ingredients: Water, malt, hops, yeast, vanilla
Allergens: Gluten (barley/malt)
Serving Suggestion: Served at 10-12°C in a tulip glass, pairs well with dark chocolate, roasted coffee desserts or a strong blue cheese

Flavour Profile

Roasted · Coffee · Vanilla · Creamy · Caramel

Did You Know?

The name "Choulette" comes from an old Ch'ti ball game, where a small wooden ball - the choulette - was struck with a croquet-like mallet. The brewery's beer is named after the game, which is still played in a few places in northern France today.

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Frequently Asked Questions about La Choulette Black Choulette Alien Porter

Is La Choulette Black Choulette Alien Porter worth it?

Yes, if you love powerful, dark beers with character. La Choulette is one of northern France's most respected farmhouse breweries, and the craftsmanship is clearly felt in the glass.

What does Black Choulette Alien Porter taste like?

It tastes of roasted coffee, dark caramel and soft vanilla, with a creamy, lightly sweet finish. A full-bodied and fairly powerful porter at 8%.

Is Black Choulette Alien Porter a rare beer?

It's not mass produced and is mainly found at specialty retailers, making it a less common find compared to well-known porter brands.

What temperature should Black Choulette Alien Porter be served at?

Best at 10-12°C. Too cold mutes the roasted character and vanilla sweetness that otherwise defines the beer.

Which glass suits this porter best?

A tulip glass or a snifter captures the roasted and sweet aromas best.

What food pairs well with Black Choulette Alien Porter?

It works great with dark chocolate, roasted coffee desserts or a strong blue cheese, where the beer's roasted sweetness plays off the flavours.

How long does Black Choulette Alien Porter keep?

As a dark, powerful porter it can easily handle a couple of years of cellaring, but it also drinks well fresh. Always check the date on the bottle.

Where does La Choulette come from?

From the small village brewery in Hordain in northern France, founded in 1885 and run today by the Dhaussy family in a thoroughly traditional farmhouse style.

What is La Choulette best known for?

The brewery is first and foremost known for its classic Bières de Garde, but also produces more experimental beers like this dark porter.

Why is the beer called "Alien Porter"?

The name and the space-themed label are a whimsical touch from an otherwise very tradition-bound brewery - a small wink that breaks with the classic Bière de Garde heritage.

Is Black Choulette a good gift idea?

Yes, the surprising label and powerful flavour make it a fun gift for both beer and whisky enthusiasts who want to try something outside the usual styles.