PORTER (ANCHOR BREWING CO., SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA)

A porter is a medium dark (reddish) to very dark (coffee), medium to full-bodied beer brewed from a centuries old style popular at one time in England. A porter is generally sweet from roasted malt, hopped and bitter with a dry finish. Akin to the porter, but usually darker and full-bodied is the stout; the most popular being the Irish Stout brewed by Guinness Brewing Co., Ireland. Those familiar with Guinness Stout should consider a porter lying somewhere between this and a lighter, medium bodied ale. All three are top-fermented beers.

Anchor Brewing Co. in San Francisco, CA along with countless American breweries have either a stout or porter on their menu for the discriminating beer drinker. These “masculine” styles enjoy a popularity here in the states more than likely owed to the extensive marketing and availability of Guinness Stout. Anchor has been making this porter since 1974, long before anybody was throwing the word “microbrewery” around and they can be found in 12 oz. bottles sold by the 6, 12 and 24 pack. Now to the good stuff…

Woah Nellie!!!! Pour this bottle out into the wide-mouthed glass of your choice, and feast your eyes on one dark, foamy-headed porter. Anchor is certainly taking the “more is more” approach with this handsome, coffee-colored and nougat-headed beer. Stuff your snout into that glass and enjoy the well-balanced, deep-roasted malt and slightly sweet aroma, reminiscent of sugared coffee. Don`t just sit there sniffing your glass, though. Beer is made to be tasted. The first impression is a malty, burnt taste mellowed by a slight sweetness. This is followed closely by a bitter mini-blast of hops, which stays onboard through and beyond the dry finish. You can almost chew on this full-bodied, satisfying brew.

I do not recommend this one for the faint of heart. This American porter isn`t quite the “creamy meal in a glass” of Guinness, but it`s a beefy brew that could put some Irish Stouts to shame… but of course, don`t take my word for it, go try some yourself.

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Author: Jim Clark