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Porter

Porter beer originated in London, and has a history as rich as the malt aromas and flavors that characterize the style.

Porter either ushered in -- or was the product of -- a period in early 1700s England when consumer tastes and preferences changed. Those tastes moved away from the astringent harshness of the brown and black malts in young, “mild” (freshly brewed) beer and the sour and staleness of aged beer – both of which had essentially been the only choices for centuries – toward a more balanced, middle ground of flavor.
Porter Style Chart

A. English Porter
B. American Porter
C. Baltic Porter

APPEARANCE
Color: Dark-copper to dark brown (virtually black)
Clarity: Generally clear, with some very dark versions opaque
Head: Off-white to tan and generally lasting

AROMA AND TASTE
Malts: Include caramel, chocolaty, toffee, toasty, nutty, coffee, dark fruit and mild to assertive roasty character
Hops: Generally mild, although some American examples can be more assertive
Yeast: Generally neutral, though moderate fruity esters may be present
MOUTH-FEEL
Consistency: Smooth, while more roasty versions may have some astringency
Carbonation: Ranges across examples from delicate to prickly
Body: Medium to full
Finish: Long; dry in some versions

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