American Porter

Glassware: Shaker pint
  • USA
  • Ale
  • ABV = 4.8 – 6.5% (Normal to elevated)^
  • IBU = 25-50
  • SRM = 22-40

A moderate-strength dark American ale with a complex and flavourful dark malt character and pronounced bitterness.

Less strong and assertive than American Stout.

Appearance:

  • Colour^ = Brown to black
  • Clarity = Can be opaque; if not, should be clear

Key Aromas & Flavours:

Aroma
  • Malt = Moderate; roasty, often with a chocolate, light coffee or lightly burnt character; may have a caramel or toffee malt richness in support
  • Hops = Low to high; resiny, earthy, or floral
  • Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present
Flavour
  • Malt = Moderate; roasty, often with chocolate and a lightly burnt character; may have a caramelly malt sweetness in support
  • Hops = Low to high; resiny, earthy, or floral
  • Yeast = None to moderate; fruity, if present
  • Perceived Bitterness^ = Pronounced
  • Balance = Ranges from even to towards the bitterness, from both hops and dark roasted malts
Aftertaste/Finish

Dry to medium-sweet finish

Mouthfeel:

  • Body = Medium
  • Carbonation = Medium
  • Alcohol warmth = Stronger versions may have a slight alcohol warmth
  • Astringency = May have a slight astringency from the dark malts, but this character should not be strong

Characteristic Ingredients/Processes:

  • Malt = Two-row or pale ale malt, plus crystal/caramel and darker malts (typically chocolate or black malt)
  • Hops = American hops are typical, but British hops may be used for finishing (aroma)
  • Yeast = American or English ale yeast with a clean or lightly fruity profile

Historical Development:

A stronger, more aggressive version of English Porter, with more bitterness, more dark malt character, and a drier finish.

First brewed in the modern craft beer era (introduced in 1974).

Commercial Examples:

Anchor Porter, Deschutes Black Butte Porter, Sierra Nevada Porter

^Sourced from the Cicerone Certification Program’s International Certified Beer Server Syllabus (Version 5.0)
All other information is sourced from the BJCP 2021 Style Guidelines

Discovering Beer is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Cicerone® Certification Program.

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