Brown Porter Beer: A Frothy Guide to This Malt Marvel’s Renaissance

Reading Time: around 12 min

Brown Porter is like the cozy sweater of beers, comfy and utterly classic. It’s a dark ale that’s known for its toasty, chocolatey vibes without being as intense as its stronger siblings. Think of it as an understated British classic that’s been around the pub block.

And then some.

Born in England, this humble brew got its start in the 1700s, and fun fact, it was named after the hardworking porters of London who loved to knock back a pint or two after hauling goods all day.

This brew stands out with its rich history and equally rich taste.

Distinctive roasted barley gives it a flavor that’s robust yet smooth, like a jazz record spinning on a rainy day. And the ingredients? You’ll find a symphony of malt-heavy goodness with a balance of hop bitterness to keep things interesting.

Picture yourself mashing up a concoction of brown, crystal, and chocolate malts. Think of them as the backup singers to the lead vocalist, the yeast. Together, they perform a harmonious blend that hits the high notes on your palate.

Key Takeaways

Brown Porter is a mild, malty dark ale with a smooth nutty and chocolatey flavor.
Its origins trace back to 18th-century England, with a special nod to porter-loving London laborers.
Crafting a superb Brown Porter involves a balance of malty sweetness and hop bitterness.

Liquid Lore: The History of Brown Porter

Before diving into the pint glass of history, know this: the tale of Brown Porter is as rich and robust as the brew itself. Hailing from the pubs of London with a flavor that’s been winning hearts since way back when.

A British Tale: Origins and Evolution

Imagine London, sometime in the 1700s. Ale is your best buddy, and then bam! Along comes a beer destined to become London’s liquid darling. Say hello to English Porter, a darker brew birthed in the backrooms of London’s bustling beer houses.

Why “Porter”?

Well, it won over the muscle and sweat crowd, especially the porters who hauled goods across the city, and they couldn’t get enough of this stuff.

Here’s a fun fact for you: a fella named Ralph Harwood is often tipped the hat for originating the style. He decided that instead of mixing three different types of ales (a common practice then), he’d brew one that combined all those flavors straight out of the gate.

Revolutionary, don’t you agree?

The key to nailing that iconic porter taste lies in the ingredients. You can’t just throw in any old hops and malts. Original gravity, which is like the potential for alcohol content, was higher back then, meaning this brew packed a punch.

Here’s a protip: go for malts like brown malt to hit those sweet, caramel notes, and don’t shy away from hops with a bit of character.

Revival of the Brown Porter Style

Now, fast forward a few centuries. The world went Stout crazy, and Porters were practically shoved into the dusty corners of beer cellars. But surprise, surprise, the beer world loves a good comeback story.

Cue the revival of the Brown Porter.

It took off like a rocket sometime in the late 20th century when beer aficionados started craving old-school suds. This revival, it’s not just about nostalgia. Brown Porter brings a blend of history and hipster cool, with a dash of English tradition for good measure.

And let’s give a nod to Arthur Guinness, whose famous stout-y creations stemmed from the original porters. Though Guinness might hog the limelight sometimes, let’s not forget who came first.

The Brown Porter’s renaissance is a tip-of-the-hat to its deep, malty roots, bringing us a taste that’s as soul-warming today as it was back in the heyday of London’s dimly-lit taverns.

So, grab yourself a glass.

You’re not just sipping on a beer; you’re swigging down history.

Cheers to that!

The Sipping Specs: Character and Flavor Profile

Grab your glass, my friend, because we’re diving into the heart of what makes a Brown Porter tick. Its look, aroma, and taste that’ll treat your senses better than a three-day weekend.

Sights and Sips: Appearance and Aroma

Imagine you’re gazing into a deep pool of dark brown magic, that’s your Brown Porter sitting pretty in the glass, with a light tan head grinning back at you. It’s like peering into your future where everything’s cozy and inviting.

You take a whiff, and it’s like your nose hit the jackpot. Nuts, chocolate, caramel, and a hi-five of coffee all making a pact to tickle your senses.

Hoppy aromas: Moderate hoppy aromas with earthy, floral, or slightly spicy notes
Malty aromas: Malty aromas including roasted malt, chocolate, caramel, toffee, and nuts
IBU bitterness: 20 to 35
Alcohol level: 4% to 6% ABV
SRM color range: 20 to 35 (copper to brown)

A Symphony of Flavors: Tasting Notes

Now, for the big show. Tip that glass and let the flavors dance on your tongue. You’ve got the sweetness of caramel playing tug-of-war with a gentle bitterness that makes taste buds sing hallelujah. It’s like toffee and chocolate had a delicious baby.

With roasted malt and a hint of toast as the godparents.

Nutty
Chocolate
Caramel
Toffee
Roasted malt

Component	Flavor Note
Sweetness	Mild to moderate
Bitterness	Gentle, well-balanced
Malt Flavor	Robust, toasty

Remember, a Brown Porter is like that friend who’s awesome to hang out with. Never overbearing but always full of surprises. Like a subtle whisper of vanilla if you pay enough attention.

And if you’re munching on something…

…make it a hearty stew or a caramel dessert that’ll make this beer feel right at home.

Mashing It Up: Ingredients and Brewing Process

When you’re in the throes of brewing a Brown Porter, think of yourself as a chef in a high-stakes cooking show. You’ve got a palette of grains, a garden of hops, and a secret weapon: yeast.

Grains Galore: Malt Mixology

Imagine you’re a DJ, but instead of spinning records, you’re spinning a variety of malts to get your mash tun bumpin’. Start with a base malt, typically a Pale Ale malt; this is your bread… or should I say, beer and butter.

Crystal malt and a dab of chocolate malt will jazz it up, granting those sweeter caramel notes and a dash of roastiness that’s sure to make your taste buds dance.

Pale malt: Provides a neutral base for the beer.
Crystal malt: Adds sweetness and body to the beer.
Brown malt: Adds a nutty, toasty flavor.
Black malt: Adds a roasted, coffee-like flavor.
Roasted barley: Adds a dry, roasted flavor.

A bit finger-in-the-air, but you can roughly follow the below proportions:

70% pale malt
10% crystal malt
10% brown malt
5% black malt
5% chocolate malt

Malt Name	Min of Lb per gallon	Max of Lb per gallon	Min of Lb per batch [5gal]	Max of Lb per batch [5gal]	Average of Lb per gallon
Chocolate Malt	–	1	0.01	5	0.13
Caramel / Crystal Malt	0.01	1.82	0.06	9.09	0.18
2-Row Pale Malt	0.07	3.08	0.33	15.38	1.52
Maris Otter	0.1	2.86	0.49	14.29	1.39
Crystal Malt	0.02	0.67	0.1	3.33	0.15
Black Malt	–	2.5	0.02	12.52	0.1
Cara Malt	–	0.6	–	2.98	0.12
Brown Malt	0.02	2.8	0.12	14	0.26
Munich Malt	0.03	2.54	0.13	12.7	0.36
Pale Ale Malt	0.12	3.07	0.6	15.37	1.42
Roasted Barley	0.01	0.36	0.05	1.82	0.08

Malt Name	Min of Kg per liter	Max of Kg per liter	Min of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Max of Kg per batch [20ltr]	Average of Kg per liter
Chocolate Malt	–	0.12	0.01	2.4	0.02
Caramel / Crystal Malt	–	0.22	0.03	4.36	0.02
2-Row Pale Malt	0.01	0.37	0.16	7.37	0.18
Maris Otter	0.01	0.34	0.24	6.85	0.17
Crystal Malt	–	0.08	0.05	1.6	0.02
Black Malt	–	0.3	0.01	6	0.01
Cara Malt	–	0.07	–	1.43	0.01
Brown Malt	–	0.34	0.06	6.71	0.03
Munich Malt	–	0.3	0.06	6.09	0.04
Pale Ale Malt	0.01	0.37	0.29	7.37	0.17
Roasted Barley	–	0.04	0.02	0.87	0.01

*This data consists of hundreds of thousands of manually input recipes and, despite best efforts, they may contain errors leading to very high max amounts, or be someone’s attempt for experimental brew. You should consider this data more as an overview of how different ingredients were used for different styles to get inspiration. Please do not attempt to add up different lines as it’s all about proportions.

The Hop Heads’ Section

Let’s dive into the delicious depths of the Brown Porter.

The brew that’s as cozy as your grandpa’s favorite cardigan.

First up, let’s give a warm welcome to Fuggle! This hop is like your quirky aunt who knits and knows a little too much about conspiracy theories. Earthy, grassy, slightly floral, and full of character.

Fuggle hops will add that traditional British charm to your Brown Porter…

…without overpowering the malt’s rich chocolate and caramel notes.

Now, for the grand entrance. When your kettle’s bubbling like a witch’s cauldron, launch 1 ounce of Fuggle into orbit at the start of the boil. This will lay down a bitterness that’s as reliable as a Swiss watch and as comforting as a well-worn leather chair.

But don’t put your hop socks on just yet!

As the clock ticks down and you’ve got about 15 minutes left – just enough time to perfect your victory dance – drop in another 0.5 ounces of Fuggle. This late addition is like the encore at your favorite concert, leaving everyone screaming for more.

And for a plot twist, because who doesn’t love a good one, let’s invite Northern Brewer to the party. Just a pinch, say 0.25 ounces at the 15-minute mark, will bring a touch of resinous mystique to your brew, like a secret handshake among old friends.

You can also opt for East Kent Golding or Willamette…

…for that subtle, woody earthy vibe mixed with herbs and spices.

Perfectly suited to your porter’s understated elegance.

Fuggle: Woody, earthy and mild, just chilling in the background.
East Kent Golding: A touch of spices and herbs, without stealing the spotlight.
Willamette: Adds a spicy, floral flavor.

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Oz per gallon	Max of Oz per gallon	Min of Oz per batch [5gal]	Max of Oz per batch [5gal]	Average of Oz per gallon
Fuggle	Aroma	0.01	0.57	0.05	2.86	0.14
	Bittering	0.02	0.73	0.08	3.64	0.23
	Dry Hop	0.06	0.2	0.32	1	0.12
	First Wort	0.05	0.4	0.27	2	0.18
	Flavor	0.03	0.36	0.13	1.82	0.12
	Hopback	0.09	0.09	0.46	0.46	0.09
	Whirlpool	0.11	0.15	0.56	0.76	0.14
Fuggle Total		0.01	0.73	0.05	3.64	0.17
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.03	0.4	0.17	2	0.13
	Bittering	0.03	0.64	0.15	3.2	0.21
	Dry Hop	0.04	0.08	0.2	0.42	0.06
	First Wort	0.04	0.2	0.19	1.02	0.11
	Flavor	0.04	0.4	0.2	2	0.15
	Hopback	0.21	0.21	1.05	1.05	0.21
	Whirlpool	0.1	0.64	0.5	3.18	0.22
East Kent Golding Total		0.03	0.64	0.15	3.2	0.17
Cascade	Aroma	0.02	0.45	0.1	2.23	0.14
	Bittering	0.05	0.33	0.23	1.67	0.14
	Dry Hop	0.06	0.47	0.29	2.36	0.18
	First Wort	0.2	0.25	1	1.27	0.23
	Flavor	0.02	0.45	0.08	2.27	0.13
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.25	0.26	1.25	0.13
Cascade Total		0.02	0.47	0.08	2.36	0.14
Willamette	Aroma	0.04	0.46	0.18	2.31	0.14
	Bittering	0.05	0.6	0.25	3	0.19
	First Wort	0.07	0.07	0.36	0.36	0.07
	Flavor	0.04	0.55	0.2	2.73	0.14
	Whirlpool	0.05	0.12	0.23	0.58	0.1
Willamette Total		0.04	0.6	0.18	3	0.15
Northern Brewer	Aroma	–	0.21	0.02	1.03	0.12
	Bittering	0.04	0.42	0.19	2.11	0.17
	Dry Hop	0.13	0.13	0.67	0.67	0.13
	First Wort	0.04	0.14	0.19	0.7	0.1
	Flavor	0.03	0.48	0.17	2.38	0.13
	Whirlpool	0.11	0.15	0.53	0.73	0.13
Northern Brewer Total		–	0.48	0.02	2.38	0.15

Hops Name	Brewing Stage	Min of Grams per liter	Max of Grams per liter	Min of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Max of Grams per batch [20ltr]	Average of Grams per liter
Fuggle	Aroma	0.08	4.28	1.6	85.59	1.06
	Bittering	0.12	5.45	2.38	108.93	1.75
	Dry Hop	0.48	1.5	9.62	29.96	0.91
	First Wort	0.4	3	8	59.91	1.36
	Flavor	0.19	2.72	3.74	54.47	0.93
	Hopback	0.68	0.68	13.64	13.64	0.68
	Whirlpool	0.83	1.14	16.67	22.82	1.03
Fuggle Total		0.08	5.45	1.6	108.93	1.29
East Kent Golding	Aroma	0.25	3	5	59.91	0.97
	Bittering	0.23	4.79	4.62	95.86	1.56
	Dry Hop	0.3	0.63	6.09	12.5	0.47
	First Wort	0.28	1.52	5.67	30.43	0.84
	Flavor	0.3	3	6.04	59.91	1.1
	Hopback	1.58	1.58	31.58	31.58	1.58
	Whirlpool	0.75	4.77	15	95.38	1.6
East Kent Golding Total		0.23	4.79	4.62	95.86	1.25
Cascade	Aroma	0.14	3.33	2.86	66.67	1.06
	Bittering	0.34	2.5	6.81	50	1.08
	Dry Hop	0.43	3.53	8.7	70.59	1.35
	First Wort	1.49	1.9	29.84	38.1	1.7
	Flavor	0.13	3.4	2.55	68.08	0.96
	Whirlpool	0.38	1.87	7.69	37.45	0.96
Cascade Total		0.13	3.53	2.55	70.59	1.05
Willamette	Aroma	0.27	3.46	5.45	69.13	1.03
	Bittering	0.37	4.49	7.49	89.87	1.41
	First Wort	0.55	0.55	10.9	10.9	0.55
	Flavor	0.29	4.08	5.88	81.7	1.08
	Whirlpool	0.34	0.87	6.81	17.39	0.7
Willamette Total		0.27	4.49	5.45	89.87	1.14
Northern Brewer	Aroma	0.02	1.55	0.48	30.91	0.88
	Bittering	0.29	3.16	5.71	63.15	1.31
	Dry Hop	1	1	20	20	1
	First Wort	0.29	1.05	5.71	21.09	0.78
	Flavor	0.25	3.56	5.09	71.2	0.96
	Whirlpool	0.8	1.09	16	21.79	0.96
Northern Brewer Total		0.02	3.56	0.48	71.2	1.14

Yeast and Beyond: Fermentation Fascination

Now let the fermentation begin! You’ll want to cozy up with an English ale yeast. Think of yeast as your silent partner in crime. It works behind the scenes to transform your sweet wort into a brew that’s alive with character.

Keep things cool, around 65-70°F (18-21°C).

Get this right, and you’re in for a smooth operator with a dry finish that’ll leave you wanting more.

English ale yeast: It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done.
Standard fermentation temp: 65-70°F (18-21°C). Like a cool British evening.

Or to be more precise:

Wyeast 1968 London ESB Ale
White Labs WLP002 English Ale
Safale S-04

Swirl that mash, time the hops just right, and whisper sweet nothings to your fermenting beer. Before you know it, you’ll be sipping on a brown beauty that could make Big Ben chime in delight.

English Ale
American Ale
Nottingham Ale
London Ale
British Ale
Style Default Yeast
English Special Bitter
Irish Ale
California Ale
Pale Ale

Adjunct Ingredients for Brown Porter

Brown Porter is one of those styles which are graceful for add-ons. And there are so many options. When brewing one, consider adding flaked oats and flaked barley to enhance the beer’s body and mouthfeel.

In addition, honey, brown sugar, or molasses can enhance the beer’s sweetness. These ingredients add depth and complexity to the flavor. Same with Cane sugar and maple syrup. Vanilla beans can infuse the brew with a subtle vanilla undertone.

And coffee can amplify its roasted notes.

While cacao nibs and chocolate can contribute rich, chocolatey flavors.

Cinnamon sticks can add a touch of warm spice to the brew.

Adding nut extracts such as hazelnut or almond will surely bump up nuttiness.

Famous Brown Porter Beers to Try

So, my beer-loving friend! If you are now a fan of dark beers, then you’ve got to try some of the famous Brown Porter beers out there. Here are a few that you should definitely add to your beer bucket list.

Samuel Smith’s Taddy Porter: This beer is a classic, and for good reason. It’s a smooth, rich, and chocolaty beer that’ll make you feel like you’re sipping on a dessert. It’s perfect for a cold winter’s night, or anytime you want to indulge in something delicious.

Fuller’s London Porter: If you’re looking for a beer with a bit more complexity, then Fuller’s London Porter is the one for you. It’s got hints of coffee, chocolate, and even a bit of smoke. It’s a bold beer that’ll wake up your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

Anchor Porter: This beer is a bit lighter than some of the others on this list, but it’s still a great choice for anyone who loves Brown Porter beers. It’s got a nice balance of sweetness and bitterness, with notes of chocolate and caramel.

Founders Porter: If you’re a fan of coffee, then you’ll love Founders Porter. It’s got a strong coffee flavor, with hints of chocolate and vanilla. It’s a rich and decadent beer that’s perfect for sipping on a lazy Sunday afternoon.

So there you have it. Four famous Brown Porter beers that you should definitely try. Each one has its own unique flavor profile, so be sure to try them all and find your favorite.

Cheers!

Damian

A lifelong learner, hop enthusiast and a lover of the state of extreme exhaustion.

Finance Analyst in the Investment Bank and co-founder of hopsmatcher.com