We’ve been in LA all day and decided to take a break at Pizza Port in San Clemente with a couple of friends who live there (San Clemente, not Pizza Port).

Like all of the Pizza Ports, they carry some standards and then a few of their own specialties. Among my favs is the Pier Rat Porter, while Beer Buddy (hophead that he is) really likes the Doheny Double IPA.

BB describes the beer as really hoppy but well-matched with a big malty profile as well. He says it’s a lot like Stone Brewing Company’s Ruination, both in flavor and it’s high ABV. He and Trixie drink this stuff the same way most people eat Lay’s potato chips (you’ve can’t have just one), so I’m sure I’ll be driving us home tonight. Trix’s husband, G-Love, and I will still with the Pier Rat.

Like most Porters the beer has a wonderful dark color and is served on nitro. I do like the way beer looks when it’s being pored on nitro. It’s not too heavy in carbonation but it was just the right amount. The smell of the beer isn’t a very strong one. The first time I taste a beer I never like it. That is why I have a one-pint to try, not just a couple of sips. But, this beer I liked right off. It has a wonderful mouth feel and a lovely coffee and chocolate taste to it. There isn’t any bitterness or a heavy alcohol flavor either. For a porter it’s a little on the light side of flavor but, I could drink this beer all day. I will put this porter in my “day beer” category.

We’ve wandered into BJs Brewhouse in Laguna Hills, Calif. for a bite to eat and to taste a few beers.

The one on the left is mine — the PM Porter, the one on the right is Beer Buddy’s. It’s a special right now, Owen’s IPA.

More details when I get to a computer — too hard to type on my phone.