FOOD NEWS
Porter Vs Stout Beers: What's The Difference?
BY BRIAN UDALL
Porters and stouts are overlapping beer categories, making the difference between the two more of an art than science. However, there are some unique features to look for.
Generally, porters have a dark brown or black color, a strong body, alcohol by volume between 4% and 7%, and a rich flavor with notes of caramel, chocolate, malt, and coffee.
The style was created in the 1700s in London where working class porters, such as dock workers, enjoyed the drink. Today, it retains a strong connection to Britain.
In fact, porters gave rise to stouts, and Guinness’s flagship beer that originally started as a porter eventually evolved into the stout known and loved today.
Stouts were originally considered a type of porter called stout porters, meaning they had a stronger alcohol by volume than usual, typically 6% to 8%.
The beer developed shortly after porters in the 1700s with a similar color and flavor to porters, but over time, stouts have grown into a category of their own.
In general, a stout will have a bolder flavor and richer, creamier mouthfeel making it heartier than lighter, thinner, and more versatile porters.
The beer’s most defining feature is that it’s almost always made from unmalted barley, which makes it different not just from porters but also from most other beers, light or dark.