Porter beer has one of the most interesting and influential histories in beer — it’s basically the great-grandfather of modern dark beer styles like stout.
Here’s the story:
🍺 Origins (1700s London)
Porter was invented in London in the early 18th century, with records suggesting around 1720–1730.
It was created to satisfy a huge demand for a strong, dark, flavourful beer that could be sold cheaply and in large quantities.
Why it was called “Porter”?
The name comes from the fact that it became extremely popular with:
- River porters
- Street sellers
- Dockworkers
- Laborers
Basically, it was the working class drink of London at the time.
🔥 What made it so special?
Porter was made from:
- Brown malt
- Roasted barley
- Sometimes hops
- Usually stronger than other beers at the time
It had a dark color and a rich, toasted flavor — a big contrast to the pale beers people were drinking before.
🏭 The Birth of Industrial Brewing
Porter became the first beer to be produced on an industrial scale.
A key figure was Hugh Myddelton, who helped improve water supply to London, enabling massive brewing growth.
This is one of the earliest examples of mass produced beer in history.
🍻 Porter vs Stout – What’s The Difference?
Originally, stout was just a stronger version of porter — like “extra strong porter.”
Over time, stout became its own style, and porter became lighter in strength.
Today:
- Porter → usually medium-bodied, dark, malty
- Stout → usually stronger, roasted, sometimes bitter
🌍 Porter Spreads Worldwide
Porter became popular across Europe and later in the U.S.
By the 1800s, it was a global style, especially in British colonies.
🕳️ Decline and Revival
In the 1900s, porter faded due to:
- World Wars
- Grain shortages
- Rise of pale lagers
- Changing tastes
But in the late 20th century, craft brewing revived it.
🎉 Today’s Porter
Modern porters often include:
- Chocolate notes
- Coffee flavors
- Caramel sweetness
- Sometimes smoky or vanilla notes
It’s one of the most popular craft beer styles in the world now.
