The Porter Beer that came to be known as Baltic Porter originated in England in the 1700s, when brewers created a stronger version of their English Porter to withstand a lengthy ship’s journey to countries along the Baltic Sea. Baltic Porter was brewed, like the standard English Porter of the day, using warm-fermenting ale yeast.
Inspired to brew it themselves, brewers in Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and even Germany were making Baltic Porter by the1800s. With the advent and growing popularity of cold fermentation and lagering in the mid-1800s, most of these brewers ultimately switched to using lager yeast. Today, brewing Baltic Porters using lager yeast and cold fermentation is considered the classic style, although some examples are still warm-fermented.
Baltic Porter ranges in color from a clear deep copper-garnet to opaque deep brown – virtually black. A smooth mouth-feel characteristic of lagers delivers rich, complex malts with roasty, not burnt, notes, as well as chocolate, licorice, caramel and dark fruit flavors. Hints of malt smokiness may show, and hop spicing and bitterness are low and balancing. High alcohol can highlight fruity notes in the beer and bring warmth to the senses. Baltic Porter, whether cold- or warm-fermented, is a quintessential member of the porter family of beer styles.
Characteristics: Malty, cocoa, coffee, alcohol, medium-full-bodied
ABV range: 7-9.5% IBU: 25-40
Popular Baltic Porter-style beers: Baltika #6 Porter, BOSS Browar Black Boss Porter, Okocim Porter, Sinebrychoff Porter, Zywiec Porter, Flying Dog Gonzo Imperial Porter, Ska Nefarious Ten Pin, Victory Baltic Thunder
Serving Temperature: Cellar, 55-57°
Cheese Pairing Ideas: Asiago, Brie, Colby, Gloucester, Gouda
Food Pairing Ideas: Roasted, smoked and barbecued foods, including beef, poultry, seafood and sausage; chili; hearty stews
