Baltic Porter

Baltic Porter is a very high alcohol, sweet, robust porter that originated in the Baltic states. Baltic Porter reflects both the character of original British Porters and the character of sweeter, highly alcoholic Russian Imperial Stouts.

History

The style started in the Baltic states of Latvia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia in the 18th century. It was derived from English porters that were introduced to the Baltics in the 18th century. However the higher alcohol content and sweet malty character shares much in common with more robust Russian Imperial Stouts. Baltic Porters were largely forgotton in the West until the fall of the Iron Curtain in the late 1980's when craft brewers reintroduced the style.

Description

Full bodied. Smooth. Aged alcohol warmth. Sweet, malty, roasted flavor that stops short of burnt. Med to low bitterness. Dark fruits, caramel, toffee or currant flavors add to complexity. Med to med-high carbonation. Traditional beer from countries bordering the Baltic Sea. A cross between English Porters influenced also by Russian Stouts. Rich malty sweetness with complex blend of deep malts.

Characteristics

• Color Range: 17.0-30.0 SRM
• Original Gravity Range: 1.060-1.090 SG
• Final Gravity Range: 1.016-1.024 SG
• Bitterness Range: 20.0-40.0 IBU
• Alcohol by Volume Range: 5.5-9.5 %
• Carbonation Range: 2.3-2.8 vols
• BJCP Style Number: 12 C

Ingredients

• Munich or Vienna malt base
• Chocolate or black malt
• Continental hops to balance
• Crystal, brown or amber malts to add to complexity
• Lager yeast or cold fermented ale yeast
• Complex adjuncts in small amounts

Examples

• Sinebrychoof Porter, Baltika Porter, Aldaris Porteris, Stepan Razin Porter, Utenos Porter

See Also

• Styles