English Porter

Porter emerged in London around 1722, reputedly named for the market porters who favoured it, and grew into the city's dominant beer through the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries before pale ale and stout displaced it. A moderate-strength brown beer, it shows restrained roast and bitterness, offering a range of roasted flavours generally without burnt edges. It runs 4.0 to 5.4 percent alcohol with 18 to 35 IBU and a deep 20 to 30 SRM colour. American craft brewers revived it in the 1970s and 1980s, and it is again brewed widely in Britain. Fuller's London Porter, Samuel Smith Taddy Porter, and Young's London Porter are defining examples of a style BJCP lists as 13C.

A moderate-strength brown beer with a restrained roast character and bitterness. May have a range of roasted flavors, generally without burnt qualities.

Moderate malt aroma with chocolate, coffee, and dark bread notes. Low to moderate earthy or herbal hop aroma. Low to moderate fruity esters. Restrained roast with no burnt harshness.

Brown to dark brown, 20-30 SRM. Clear. Off-white to tan head with moderate retention.

Moderate malt flavor with chocolate, coffee, and dark bread notes. Low to moderate earthy hop bitterness. Low fruity esters. Dry to semi-dry finish. No harsh burnt character.

Medium body with moderate carbonation. Smooth with no harsh roast. Easy-drinking for a dark beer.

Porter originated in London around 1722 as a blend of different beers to satisfy porters (dockworkers). It became London's dominant beer style in the 18th-19th centuries before being largely supplanted by Pale Ale and Stout. The English Porter was revived by American craft brewers in the 1970s-80s and is now experiencing a renaissance in Britain.

What is English Porter beer?

English Porter (BJCP 13C) — a moderate-strength brown ale with restrained roast character. Style guide.

What is the ABV of English Porter?

English Porter has an alcohol by volume (ABV) of 4.0-5.4%.

How bitter is English Porter beer?

English Porter measures 18-35 IBU (International Bitterness Units).

What are some examples of English Porter beers?

Fuller's London Porter, Samuel Smith Taddy Porter, Harviestoun Old Engine Oil, Young's London Porter