American Porter

Includes styles: Robust Porter

Recipes:: 13,927
BJCP 2021:: 20A
Era:: Craft
Origin:: North America
Fermentation:: Top
Color:: Dark
Strength:: Normal
Taste:: Bitter

Profile

The American Porter is a robust, dark ale that is marked by its strong malt presence and diverse range of flavors typically derived from the use of roasted malts. This style has its roots in the English Porter though American Porters maintain their identity largely through their particular balance of malt sweetness against roastiness and hop bitterness. Compared to robust porters or other traditional variations, the American take on this style is typically bolder and can express a wider variety in terms of flavor adjuncts (like smoked or rye malts) as well as hopping rates.

American Porters showcase a dark brown to black color with ruby or garnet highlights. They possess a tan or khaki-colored head that should be both resilient and creamy. The clarity can range from clear to opaque depending on the constituents of the brew. Flavor and aroma profiles are rich and complex, with multiple layers competing for attention. One can expect notes of chocolate, caramel, and coffee; often with a nutty, toasted aspect contributed by various roasted grains. A moderate to high hop bitterness complements these mal flavors without necessarily imparting strong hop flavors themselves. Fruity esters may be present but subdued beneath the weightier roasted characteristics; these can include dark fruits like cherries or plums. The finish is usually dry rather than sweet which distinguishes it from its British counterpart.