Porter — the dark beer that kicked off the Industrial Revolution

Porter — the dark beer that started the Industrial Revolution

Porter is the style that changed brewing forever. Born in London in the early 18th century, it became the first beer brewed on a truly industrial scale — and the favorite drink of porters, from whom it gets its name. Dark, malty, with aromas of chocolate, coffee, and toasted bread, porter is the predecessor of stout and one of the most important styles in beer history.

Baltic Porter — the cold cousin

While English porter is an ale, Baltic porter is a lager — or at least it ferments at lower temperatures. The style developed in the Baltic region (Poland, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania), where local brewers adapted English porter to their own traditions and climate. The result is a smoother, cleaner, and often stronger beer — with notes of dark chocolate, caramel, dried fruit, and a slight sweetness. Baltic porter is one of the styles in which Eastern Europe truly shines — and which you will find well represented in our collection.

Imperial Porter — no limits

Imperial porter increases alcohol and intensity — usually above 8-9%, with a fuller body, a richer malt profile, and often barrel aging. Additions like coffee, vanilla, coconut, or chocolate turn some imperial porter variants into true liquid desserts — without losing the characteristic porter base.

Porter versus stout — what's the difference?

The question that has divided beer enthusiasts for decades. Historically, stout was simply a "stronger porter" (stout porter), but over time the two styles evolved in different directions. Today, the difference is more a matter of tradition and interpretation than of strict definition — but generally, porter is softer, maltier, and with a rounder character, while stout tends towards a drier, roastier profile.

Why porter from 100 Beers?

Porter is a style that perfectly complements the dark side of our collection — from classic Baltic porter from Polish and Estonian breweries to imperial variants with interesting additions from Bulgarian and international craft brands. If you like dark beers, but stout sometimes seems too intense — porter is your style.

Explore our other style collections: Stout • Strong Ale • Belgian Ale • Barley, Rye, Wheat Wine • Rauchbier & Smoked