Overview for the American Porter

The American Porter is a malty dark brew whose palate is complex and flavorful dark malts and varying hops. Historically, it’s an aggressive variant of the English Porter and Pre-Prohibition American Porters. It’s more assertive than an American Brown Ale but not as strong or bitter as the American Stout.

Style Expectations

A substantial, malty dark beer with a complex and flavorful dark malt character.

Appearance

Medium brown to very dark brown, often with ruby- or garnet-like highlights. Can approach black in color. Clarity may be difficult to discern in such a dark beer, but when not opaque will be clear (particularly when held up to the light). Full, tan-colored head with moderately good head retention.

Aroma

Medium-light to medium-strong dark malt aroma, often with a lightly burnt character. Optionally may also show some additional malt character in support (grainy, bready, toffee-like, caramelly, chocolate, coffee, rich, and/or sweet). Hop aroma low to high, often with a resiny, earthy, or floral character. May be dry-hopped. Fruity esters are moderate to none.

Flavor

Moderately strong malt flavor usually features a lightly burnt malt character (and sometimes chocolate and/or coffee flavors) with a bit of grainy, dark malt dryness in the finish. Overall flavor may finish from dry to medium-sweet. May have a sharp character from dark roasted grains, but should not be overly acrid, burnt or harsh. Medium to high bitterness, which can be accentuated by the dark malt. Hop flavor can vary from low to high with a resiny, earthy, or floral character, and balances the dark malt flavors. The dark malt and hops should not clash. Dry-hopped versions may have a resiny flavor. Fruity esters moderate to none.

Mouthfeel

Medium to medium-full body. Moderately low to moderately high carbonation. Stronger versions may have a slight alcohol warmth. May have a slight astringency from dark malts, although this character should not be strong.

Reviews

Maple Bacon Coffee Porter

American Porter  •  Funky Buddha Brewery

Maple Bacon Coffee Porter is an award-winning American Porter by Funky Buddha Brewery whose layered complexity is an absolute delight. Read More

Founders Porter

American Porter  •  Founders Brewing Co.

Founders Porter is an American Porter by Founders Brewing Co. whose roast character and hops are balanced by sweet chocolate and caramel. Read More

Noche Dulce

American Porter  •  Borderlands Brewing Co.

Noche Dulce is an American Porter brewed by Borderlands Brewing Co. that blends espresso roast with hints of sweet Mexican vanilla and chocolate. Read More

Imperial Tanilla

American Porter  •  Knee Deep Brewing Co.

Imperial Tanilla is an American Porter by Knee Deep Brewing Co. that’s a boozy blend of coffee, floral hops, earthy woods, and smoky char with vanilla and dark chocolate. Read More

Mexican Standoff

American Porter  •  Due South Brewing Co.

Mexican Standoff is an American Porter by Due South Brewing Co. that blends spicy hot chili peppers and cinnamon with chocolate, vanilla, and coffee. Read More

Nuttercup

American Porter  •  Brew Link Brewing Company

Nuttercup is an American Porter brewed by Brew Link Brewing Company that blends peanuts and dark chocolate with a bitter and earthy roast. Read More

C Porter

American Porter  •  LauderAle

C Porter is an award-winning American Porter brewed by LauderAle that wonderfully balances coffee roast with sweet coconut, vanilla, and chocolate. Read More

Flora Obscura

American Porter  •  Boulevard Brewing Co.

Flora Obscura is an American Porter by Boulevard Brewing Co. that leans hoppy with floral and citrus notes; balanced by roast malt and dark chocolate. Read More

Fade Away

American Porter  •  Civil Society Brewing Co.

Fade Away is an American Porter by Civil Society Brewing Co. that blends coffee with a generous hopping that’s floral, herbal, and citrusy. Read More

Smoked Porter

American Porter  •  Brewery Ommegang

Smoked Porter, an American Porter by Brewery Ommegang is silky smooth with a smoky palate of roast malt, cocoa, vanilla, and caramel. Read More

Styles

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