BJCP 2021 / 20A
American Porter
A bold American porter with chocolate-roast character and a clear hop edge.
- Drink fresh
- standard strength
- dark color
- top fermented
- north america
Serve: 48 to 54F, Pint or tulip
OG1.120
1.050 to 1.070FG1.030
1.012 to 1.018IBU120
25 to 50SRM40
22 to 40ABV14%
4.8 to 6.5%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Dark chocolate, roast and caramel
- Citrus, pine or floral American hop
- Clean yeast
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Chocolate, roast and hop
- Best
- Moderate dark chocolate and roast aroma with caramel and low to moderate citrus or pine hop, clean fermentation
Appearance
3 pts- Very dark brown to black
- Clear when held to light
- Tan head
- Vague
- Dark
- Better
- Dark brown, tan head
- Best
- Very dark brown to black with ruby highlights, tan head of good retention
Flavor
20 pts- Dark chocolate, caramel and roast
- American hop flavor adds bitterness and fruit
- Medium-dry finish
- Vague
- Roasty
- Better
- Chocolate roast and hop
- Best
- Moderate dark chocolate, caramel and roast with low to moderate citrus hop, moderate-high bitterness, medium-dry finish
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Medium to medium-full body
- Medium carbonation
- Smooth
- Vague
- Smooth
- Better
- Medium body, smooth
- Best
- Medium to medium-full body, smooth, medium carbonation, no harsh roast grip
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Roast and hop in balance
Drops it
- Harsh acrid roast
- Cloying sweetness
Writing tip
Mix roast and hop notes. Example: 'Dark chocolate and roast with citrusy hop, smooth dry finish.'
Pour these
- Black Butte PorterDeschutes BreweryChocolate and a smooth, gentle hop
- Edmund Fitzgerald PorterGreat Lakes BrewingRoast and hop, dry finish
- PorterSierra NevadaChocolate, roast and balanced hop
Often confused with
- 13C English PorterEnglish Porter is gentler and less hoppy
- 20B American StoutAmerican Stout is more roasty and bitter
Fine here
- Estery: A faint fruit note is fine
Ruinous here
- Astringent: Harsh black-malt tannin
- 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.