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Porter vs. Stout: The Core Differences & How Each Is Uniquely Made

Updated: August 22, 2023 by Ben Watkins | Leave a comment

Fifty billion gallons of beer are consumed each year. So much beer is consumed yearly because it's often associated with social traditions, culture, and pubs.

Each of these things brings people together to enjoy a drink that is centuries old. One of the most unique things about beer is that there are a variety of styles to try, especially in different breweries around the world. There is to be believed over 100 types of beer, from lagers to stouts to porters to IPAs.

Porters and stouts are often considered heftier beers. They're dense and often have higher alcohol content than IPAs and lagers. But what makes porter and stout beers different? And how are each made? In this guide, we'll explore the key differences between porter and stout beers to show why there's more than a taste difference.

The Unique Differences Between Porter and Stout Beers

One of the commonalities between porter and stout beers is that they are both considered darker beers. Additionally, they are also brewed with barley. Beyond these similarities, these beers have a lot of unique differences.

Stout and Porter Beers Have Different Barley

For starters, porter and stout beers are made with different kinds of barley. Porters are made with malted barley. One of the reasons it's made this way is because it brings out the chocolatey flavor. It also helps create a balance between sweetness and hoppiness. Malt, in general, provides the sugars for fermentation. However, different kinds of barley give the beer a distinct taste.

Stouts also use barley, but it's made with unmalted roasted barley instead of malted barley. This gives stouts more of a coffee-flavored taste. It provides more of a roaster taste. Depending on the brewery, stout beers can also be made with different kinds of dark malts to give the beer a darker, more robust flavor.

Stout and Porter Beers Have Distinct Flavors

Another distinction between stout and porter beers is their distinct flavors from different barley.

For instance, stout flavors usually consist of Irish stouts, Imperial stouts, milk stouts, oatmeal stouts, and chocolate stouts. Each of these consists of malted barley. However, they are all made with different carbonation and flavoring.

Porter beers also have a unique set of flavors that make them distinct. For instance, there are brown, Baltic, smokey, and Imperial porters. They are made with different kinds of yeast and distinctive flavors.

Porters Have More Burnt Sugar and Caramel Notes Than Stouts

Another distinction between porter and stout beers is that porters have more burnt sugar and caramel notes. In contrast, stouts tend to be blacker in color and can also taste stronger than Porter beer. However, all of this depends on the kind of porters and stouts you taste.

History of Porter and Stout Beers

Stout beers have a long history dating back to the eighteenth century. These beers were initially formed in London by Street Porters and other workers. Imperial stouts, however, originated in Canada in the 1900s. Originally, stout beer was referred to as a strong black beer. However, during the industrial revolution and the invention of brewing tools, stout beers were made with more precision. Brewers started experimenting with burnt sugar and other ways to make stout beer. This led to the development of different flavors of stout beer.

Porter beer has a similar history. It was developed in London in the 1700s and was considered the drink of the day in London. Back then, taverns would age or buy their own stale brown beer. Everything changed during the industrial revolution. The rise of technology led to faster production of porter beer. Porter beer became one of the first mass-produced food products in the world.

The history of porter and stout beers shows how the development of brewery tools led to more experimentation. It shows how these beers are delectable and have a strong history to them that ties in with the culture. It shows why they are among the finest beers in the world.

Either Beer Is Delicious

There's no wrong choice between porter and stout beers. They each have a unique history with a unique way of creation. While stouts tend to be darker and richer, they may also lack the taste of caramel and burnt sugar. Each beer has unique flavors, from chocolate stouts to dark porters, that complement nearly every meal. With so many unique flavors, you'll discover endless opportunities to try a porter or stout and see what you like more. Trying either beer will surely be a delight and show you why either stand the test of time.