Mississippi Mud 946ML is a 5% ABV Black & Tan beer sold in a distinctive 946ml jug-style bottle, blending an English porter with a Continental pilsner. Brewed by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, New York, this hybrid has earned over 40,000 ratings on Untappd and remains one of the most recognizable Black & Tan beers on the American market. Quick Facts: ABV: 5% | Origin: Utica, New York, USA | Style: Black & Tan | Brewery: F.X. Matt Brewing Company Production & Heritage The F.X. Matt Brewing Company—one of the oldest family-owned breweries in the United States, founded in 1888—produces Mississippi Mud at its Utica, New York facility. The recipe combines a robust English-style porter with a fine Continental pilsner, preserving the distinct character of each component while creating a unified Black & Tan profile. A long lagering period smooths out the blend, and the beer is packaged in its signature handled ceramic-style jug, a format that has become inseparable from the brand's identity. Tasting Notes Aroma: Roasted malt leads, followed by chocolate and toffee notes reminiscent of a Heath candy bar. A subtle grain sweetness from the pilsner component rounds out the nose. Taste: The entry is malt-forward and moderately sweet, with chocolate and light coffee flavors arriving at mid-palate from the porter side. As the pilsner character emerges, a clean, slightly biscuity sweetness balances the roasted notes. The finish brings a mild bitterness that keeps the sweetness in check. Finish: Medium in length with a velvety texture and lingering roasted grain. The pilsner's crispness provides a dry, clean close that invites the next sip. How to Drink Mississippi Mud Mississippi Mud is best served chilled, poured from its jug into a pint glass to fully appreciate the dark, velvety body and light tan head. Drinking straight from the jug is part of the experience for many fans, though a proper pour releases the chocolate and roasted aromas more effectively. Black & Tan Float: pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream—the chocolate-toffee notes make a natural dessert pairing. Shandy variation: mix with lemonade for a summer session drink where the porter's roast adds depth. Beer cocktail (Boilermaker): pair a pour alongside a shot of bourbon—the malty sweetness complements caramel and oak notes in American whiskey. Best For Introducing a porter-curious friend to dark beer without overwhelming bitterness Casual barbecues and cookouts where a conversation-starting bottle matters Pairing with hearty comfort food on a fall or winter evening Adding a nostalgic, novelty element to a beer tasting lineup Frequently Asked Questions What does Mississippi Mud taste like? Mississippi Mud delivers a smooth blend of chocolate, toffee, and roasted malt from its porter component, balanced by a clean, slightly sweet pilsner character that keeps the body from becoming too heavy. The overall impression is malty, moderately sweet, and easy to drink at 5% ABV. How does Mississippi Mud compare to Guinness Black Lager? Both beers blend dark and light brewing traditions, but Mississippi Mud leans sweeter and more chocolate-forward due to its English porter base, while Guinness Black Lager tends toward a drier, more roasty profile. Mississippi Mud's higher-volume 946ml jug also delivers a different drinking experience compared to Guinness's standard bottle formats. Is Mississippi Mud good for beginners? Yes—its pilsner component tempers the roasted, bitter edge that can deter newcomers to dark beer, making it an approachable entry point into the Black & Tan style. The 5% ABV keeps the session manageable. Where is Mississippi Mud made? Mississippi Mud is brewed by the F.X. Matt Brewing Company in Utica, New York. The Matt family has operated the brewery since 1888, making it one of the longest-running independent breweries in the country. What foods pair well with Mississippi Mud? Smoked brisket or pulled pork—the chocolate and toffee malt notes complement smoky, caramelized meat. Sharp cheddar cheese—its tang cuts through the beer's sweetness. Chocolate brownies or dark chocolate desserts—echo and amplify the porter's cocoa character. Grilled burgers—the roasted malt and crisp finish refresh the palate between bites. Chili con carne—the porter's depth stands up to bold spice and rich beans. What sizes does Mississippi Mud come in? Mississippi Mud is best known for its iconic 946ml (32 oz) handled jug, which is the primary format available at retail. Is Mississippi Mud worth the price? Mississippi Mud positions as a value-tier craft beer that delivers more character than most macro lagers at a comparable price point. The oversized jug format and distinctive Black & Tan blend offer solid value for drinkers looking for flavor and novelty without a premium craft price tag. Why Mississippi Mud? What separates Mississippi Mud from other Black & Tan offerings is the completeness of the blend—rather than layering two beers in the glass, the porter and pilsner are married during production and given a long lagering period that integrates their flavors into a single, cohesive beer. The result is a smoother, more unified drinking experience than a bar-poured Black & Tan typically achieves. Brewed at one of America's oldest independent breweries, it carries genuine production credibility behind its playful packaging. The 946ml jug remains one of the most distinctive vessels in American beer, making this a bottle that earns attention on both its merits and its presentation.
