Beer Styles- Porter

Porter is another beer style that has branched from a combined English and American brewing traditions. Originating in the 1700's in England, the porter has adapted to the modern day by using a pale malt base. The dark, sometimes almost jet black, color is added by using crystal, chocolate, or black malts. These malts also provide the majority of flavor in porters. English versions are moderately hoped. As with all American styles branching off English brewing traditions, the American Porters are slightly more bitter but generally still balanced. English versions use a yeast that may add some fruitiness, but American versions us clean fermenting yeast. In both the English and American Porter ABV ranges from 4% to just a tad over 7%, but most examples are around 5% ABV.

Another less common version of porter is the Baltic Porter, aka Imperial Porter. These are English style porters that are more robust in alcohol (7-10% ABV). The other variation is that lager style bottom fermenting yeast is used. The most common Baltic Porter I have found is Flying Dog Gonzo Porter.

My favorite example of Porter is GLBC Edmund Fitzgerald. Very smooth with hints of chocolate, smoke, and coffee, it is truly a world class beer.