As an expert sommelier and brewer, I can tell you that the difference between a porter and an English porter lies in the ingredients and brewing techniques used. A porter is a style of beer that originated in London, England in the 18th century. It was a dark, strong beer that gained popularity among the working class.
The original porter was made with a combination of malted barley, sometimes including brown malt, and hops. It was fermented with English ale yeast, which gave it a distinct flavor profile. The use of brown malt resulted in a rich, roasted character with notes of chocolate and coffee. This style of porter was known for its complexity and full-bodied nature.
However, over time, the porter style evolved and became more varied. Different regions and breweries began to experiment with their own versions of porter, leading to the creation of different sub-styles. One of these sub-styles is the English porter.
The English porter is a modern evolution of the original porter, but with a focus on using English ingredients. This includes malts like pale, crystal, and chocolate, all of which are commonly used in English brewing. These malts contribute to the flavor and color of the beer, with pale malt providing a base sweetness, crystal malt adding caramel and toffee notes, and chocolate malt lending a dark, roasted character.
In addition to the malt profile, the English porter also uses English ale yeast for fermentation. This yeast strain imparts specific flavors and aromas, often described as fruity, estery, and slightly earthy. It adds to the overall character of the beer, enhancing its complexity and depth.
Another distinguishing factor of the English porter is the use of British-grown hops. British hops have distinct qualities, typically being more earthy, floral, and herbal in flavor and aroma compared to their American counterparts. These hops provide a balanced bitterness to the beer and contribute to its overall hop profile.
The English porter retains the richness and complexity that is characteristic of the porter style, but with a distinct English twist. The use of English ingredients, from malts to yeast to hops, creates a beer that is true to its roots and showcases the flavors and traditions of English brewing.
In my experience as a brewer, I have had the pleasure of brewing and tasting both traditional porters and English porters. The depth of flavor and the balance of malt and hop characteristics in an English porter are truly a delight. The use of English ingredients adds a certain authenticity and uniqueness to the beer, making it stand out among other porters.
Whether you are a fan of the original porter style or prefer the English twist, both styles offer a wonderful drinking experience. The choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the flavors that you enjoy. So, next time you come across a porter or an English porter, I encourage you to give it a try and savor the distinct characteristics that each one has to offer.