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Baltic Porter Style Profile

I have ignored this category of post for too long.  It’s time to get back into examining beer styles.  Today I am writing about the alluring Baltic Porter.  Being of Baltic descent (I’m 1/4 Lithuanian), I have had an interest in this beer for a while.

I’m a quarter Irish too…for what it’s worth.

The Baltic Porter was bred in England.  Back in the 1700 and 1800s, England brewers were producing barrels and barrels of stouts and porters.  When they wanted to expand their customer base, they took to the seas and shipped their beers east.  To survive the long journey, the beers were brewed strong…increasing the amounts of malt and hops they would normally use.  The results:  Imperial Stouts and Baltic Porters.

Baltic Porters have sweet malty flavor profiles.  Complex notes of raisins and licorice dance on the tongue.  Coffee and bitter chocolate are sometimes present too.

From what I read, hops play a small role in this malt party.  These beers are high in alcohol and it can be a prominent part of their aroma and flavor.

Smoothness was a defining character of these beers.  I can imagine a velvety mouthfeel for these beers.

One last thing I found interesting, and probably is related to the call for smoothness, is the use of lager yeast for this style.  With Porters, I assume they are all ales.  Some, if not most. Baltic Porters are brewed using lager yeasts and techniques.

Thanks for reading.  Please read our other beer style profiles.

Now someone go get me a Utenos Porter. 

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3 Comments

  1. Aaron

    I’ve not had one of these, but here’s my question – how are they appreciably different from a doppelbock?

  2. That is a good question, since I haven’t had a commercial version of a Baltic Porter but I have had a few (several) Dopplebocks. I think they are pretty similar, but with some noticeable differences. Here’s my opinion based on BJCP guidelines and other readings:

    When you read the guideline for Dopplebocks, the word “melanoidin” is mentioned over and over. I think this style of beer really focuses on that ‘bread crust’ flavor.

    Baltic Porters, I think, are probably a little bit “fruitier”…more esters present.

    As a general statement, Doppelbocks have more German malt flavors and Baltic Porters have more English malt flavors.

  3. Aaron

    It might be interesting to do a blind taste test with a mix of them and see if people can pick which is which… “Doppelbock, or Not?”

    I should probably get a baltic porter. I really love doppelbocks and english malt/esters, so baltic porter could easily become my favorite style.

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