BJCP 2021 / 13C
English Porter
A smooth, malty, gently roasty brown beer with chocolate and toast flavors.
- Any age
- standard strength
- dark color
- top fermented
- british isles
Serve: 50 to 55F, Nonic pint
OG1.120
1.040 to 1.052FG1.030
1.008 to 1.014IBU120
18 to 35SRM40
20 to 30ABV14%
4.0 to 5.4%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Light chocolate and toasted bread
- Gentle roast, not acrid
- Faint earthy hop
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Chocolate and toast
- Best
- Low to moderate chocolate, caramel and toast aroma, low roast, faint earthy hop
Appearance
3 pts- Brown to near black
- Clear, ruby highlights
- Tan head
- Vague
- Dark
- Better
- Dark brown with ruby edges
- Best
- Dark brown to near black, clear with ruby highlights, tan head of moderate retention
Flavor
20 pts- Chocolate, caramel and toast
- Light roasted malt
- Moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Chocolate and light roast
- Best
- Moderate chocolate, caramel and toast malt, low roast, low earthy hop, moderate bitterness, medium-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium-light to medium body
- Low to medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body, smooth
- Best
- Medium-light to medium body, smooth, low to medium carbonation
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Smooth, rounded roast
Drops it
- Sharp black-malt bite
- Sweet sticky finish
Writing tip
Place roast on a scale. Example: 'Chocolate and toast with light roast, smooth dry finish. Roast stays gentle.'
Pour these
- London PorterFuller'sRich chocolate and a dry finish
- Taddy PorterSamuel Smith'sDark chocolate with a soft finish
- London PorterMeantime BrewingSmooth, roasty and dry
Often confused with
- 20A American PorterAmerican Porter is hoppier and more roasty
- 15B Irish StoutIrish Stout is drier and more roasted-barley
Fine here
- Estery: Light fruit fits
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Harsh black malt
- Oxidized: Stale
- Diacetyl: Butter
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.