Baltic Porter

Introduction – by Firkin Ron

The term beer style refers to a broad set of descriptors used to differentiate and categorize types of beers. Descriptors such as color, flavor, strength, ingredients, production method, recipe, history, and origin create the framework for establishing a beer style.

And almost any time you buy a beer, the beer lists its style on the packaging. Why? To provide the buyer with a basic preview and understanding of the beer’s look, smell, taste and drinkability.

Today there are hundreds of documented beer styles. Furthermore, a handful of organizations created their own unique classifications. However, the Beer Judge Certification Program (BJCP) provides one of the most commonly used set of style guidelines.

This week’s beer style overview features Baltic Porter. Have you ever tried a Baltic Porter?

 

Baltic Porter – by Owen Ogletree

In the 1800s, wars in Europe stopped the shipment of strong dark ales from England to the Baltic regions. Baltic brewers took up the challenge and began making their own version of strong porter, often using local lager yeast. In contrast to Russian Imperial Stouts, Baltic Porters possess a restrained roasted character and a smooth, full-bodied mouthfeel with fruity esters and a complex malt bill. Expect notes of sweet malt, dark bread crust, licorice, toffee, caramel, chocolate, coffee, blackberry jam, currants, molasses, port wine and warm alcohol notes from an ABV of 6.5–9.5%. Light hopping may provide a mild bitterness in the complex, malty profile that comes from dark malts, crystal malts, and Munich and/or Vienna base malts.

Baltic Porters have become rare in the USA, but when I judged a recent beer championship in Poland, Baltic Porters were the star of the show. Does any craft brewery in your area make a true Baltic Porter?

 

About Owen Ogletree

Owen is founder/editor of Brewtopia LLC. In addition, he is columnist for Southern Brew News and Beer Connoisseur Magazine, lecturer at Knoxville’s Brewing & Distilling Center, founder/director of the Atlanta Cask Ale Tasting and Classic City Brew Fest, and a BJCP National Beer Judge. Owen has also served as a beer judge at the Great American Beer Festival and the Great British Beer Festival.