The Ultimate Guide to The Porter Beer Style
The porter, a type of beer that stands out for its dark, rich colour and toasted malty flavour, has a proud and significant heritage spanning centuries. Originating in London, UK, this beer style has found favour across the globe, and Australia is no exception. Australian breweries have taken to brewing Porters with gusto, thereby producing a distinctly Aussie twist to this traditional beer style.
Porter Beer Style History
The origins of porter go back to the 18th century in London, England. Derived from a blend of three different beers known as “Entire”, the Porter catapulted to popularity due to its robust character, affordable cost and longer shelf life. Notable brewmasters like Ralph Harwood made significant contributions in refining the style into the beer we love today. In Australia, the porter arrived with the first settlers and has grown in popularity ever since.
Brewing Process
The Porter beer style uses top fermentation, as is characteristic of ales. This brewing process heavily influences the taste, texture, and appearance of the beer, contributing to its distinct bold flavours, full-bodied texture, and dark hue.
Key Ingredients
The unique taste of porter beer hinges on its key ingredients. The malt types frequently used include brown malt and chocolate malt, which give the beer its recognisable dark hue and chocolatey taste. The other constituents, hops, yeast, and water all combine to create the porter’s distinctive, complex taste. Occasionally, breweries might add a touch of innovation by introducing elements like coffee or locally sourced ingredients.
Global Influence
The porter’s journey from the shores of the UK to becoming a beloved beverage across the globe is a story of taste winning over hearts. The porter has been embraced worldwide, each geographic region imparting its unique twist to the classic. Variations like the Baltic Porter in Eastern Europe or the Robust Porter in the United States have modified the original version. Down under in Australia, breweries have embraced this beer style, creating their versions that beautifully incorporate local ingredients.
Types of Porter Beer Style
‘Traditional’ Porter: Characteristics and Taste
The traditional porter features a dark brown colour with flavours of coffee, chocolate, and toasted malt. The beer has a medium body with a thin head and usually shows an ABV ranging from 4.5 to 5.5%.
‘Robust’ Porter: Characteristics and Taste
Coming from the United States, the robust porter is darker and fuller in body than its traditional counterpart. The flavours are more intense with a pronounced bitterness, and the ABV usually goes up to 5.6 to 6.5%.
‘Baltic’ Porter: Characteristics and Taste
Coming from harsh winter climates, the Baltic Porter is essentially a high-alcohol version of the porter. Brewed with a cold fermentation, this beer variety features a strong, sweet, and complex character, with an ABV crossing the 7% mark.
Notable Australian Porter Examples
The porter beer style has found solid ground in Australia, with many breweries creating their own versions. Here are a few to try:
- Holgate Brewhouse’s Temptress Chocolate Porter boasts a luscious mix of cocoa and vanilla with a rich malty body.
- Little Creatures‘ Dreadnought Foreign Extra Porter offers a mix of roasted and preserved fruity sweetness, kept in check with bitter hops.
- “Granite Porter” from Granite Belt Brewery is another standout, loved for its dark toast flavour sprinkled with hints of dried fruit.
Conclusion
The Porter beer style has a rich legacy that dates back centuries, a testament to its enduring appeal. Its distinctive bold flavours, robust character, and the endless variations it offers make it a firm favourite for beer enthusiasts. Australia’s breweries too have done justice to this historic beer style, introducing unique elements that create a delicious balance between tradition and innovation. We encourage you to explore, sip, and savour the magic of porter beer. And do share your experiences with us!
