Porter Or Ipa: What's The Founder's Beer Style?

Porter is a style of beer first brewed in London, England, in the 18th century. Founders Brewing Co. is a Michigan-based brewery that offers its own take on the classic Porter. Founders Porter is a dark, almost black beer with a creamy tan head. It has a strong chocolate and caramel malt presence, with mild aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. The beer has a full flavor, with a hint of hops, and is slightly bitter. It has an ABV of 6.5%. So, is Founders Porter an IPA? The answer is no. India Pale Ales (IPAs) are known for their strong hoppy flavor and typically have a higher ABV than Founders Porter. While Founders Porter is a robust and flavorful beer, it falls under the Porter style rather than the IPA category.

History of porter beer

The history of porter beer is a rich and intriguing one, dating back to the early 18th century and playing a significant role in the drinking culture of the time. Here is a detailed account of the history of porter beer:

The Birth of Porter Beer

Porter beer first emerged in London, England, in the early 1700s, specifically in 1721 or 1722, according to various sources. The name "porter" is believed to have originated from its popularity among porters, the men who carried goods in East London markets and warehouses. The beer was initially developed by Ralph Harwood, a brewer at the Bell Brewhouse in Shoreditch, and the first delivery was allegedly made to The Blue Last pub in the same area.

Innovation in Brewing

Porter was the first beer style to be aged at the brewery and dispatched ready to drink. Before its introduction, publicans or dealers were responsible for ageing the beer. Porter's ageing process involved maturation in large vats, sometimes for up to 18 months, before being racked into smaller casks for delivery to pubs. This ageing process contributed to its unique flavour.

Rise in Popularity

By the 1820s, porter beer had become extremely popular, benefiting from the innovations of the Industrial Revolution. It became the world's first mass-produced food product and was widely exported to markets in America, Russia, the Baltic countries, China, and Ireland. The demand for porter beer led to the establishment of some of London's greatest breweries, such as Meux Brewery, Whitbread, and Truman, Hanbury & Buxton Brewery.

The Porter and Stout Connection

The history of porter and stout beers is closely intertwined. Initially, the term "stout" referred to stronger beers of any colour. Over time, it became more specifically associated with stronger "brown" stouts, which were essentially porters with higher gravity. The terms "stout" and "porter" eventually became almost interchangeable, with breweries using them to describe dark beers.

Decline and Revival

In the late 1800s, the popularity of porter beer began to wane as drinkers' preferences shifted towards pale ales and stouts. The quality of porter deteriorated, and by the 1920s, it was considered an "old man's" drink. However, the style experienced a revival in the 1970s, particularly in the US, thanks to craft brewers who embraced the style and introduced modern innovations.

Flavour Profile

Today, porter beers are known for their dark, malt-assertive character, with predominant notes of rich chocolate, coffee, caramel, and nuts, often accompanied by a dry or slightly acidic finish. The exact flavour of the original porter beer from the 1700s remains a mystery, but it likely had a deep shade of brown to mahogany and included smoky notes from the kilning of the grain.

Characteristics of Founders' Porter

Founders Porter is a robust porter with a full flavour. It has a strong chocolate and caramel malt presence, with mild aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate. It pours silky black with a creamy tan head and has a medium body. The beer is brewed with a lot of Munich and crystal malt, and has a complex malt bill. It is also available in recipes for cocktails, cookies, tarts, and cupcakes.

Founders Brewing Co. was founded by two college buddies, Mike Stevens and Dave Engbers, who quit their jobs and took out big loans to start brewing bold beers. Founders Porter was launched as one of the four main beers in the company's original portfolio in 1997. It was initially a seasonal beer but underwent a big change in style and flavour in 2001. The beer was shelved in 2005 as the company grew quickly and didn't have enough fermenters, but it was reintroduced as a year-round product in 2007. Founders Porter sales were up 85% in 2012, outpacing the company's overall growth.

Founders Porter has received mostly positive reviews, with some highlighting its smooth and silky mouthfeel, intense aroma, and complex flavours. However, there are also reviews mentioning that the beer is more bitter than expected and that the advertised sweetness is not noticeable.

Pairing Founders' Porter with food

Founders Porter is a robust porter with a full flavor and mild bitterness. It has mild aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, with a creamy tan head. The beer has a strong presence of chocolate and caramel malts, creating a graham cracker sweetness.

When it comes to pairing Founders Porter with food, there are several options that can enhance your drinking experience:

Cheeses

Founders Porter pairs exceptionally well with stinky cheeses. Look for options like Camembert, Brie, or any cheese labelled "triple cream". These creamy and pungent cheeses complement the robust and silky smooth characteristics of the beer. Avoid sharp cheeses, as they may clash with the beer's flavor.

Meats

A rare porterhouse steak is a classic pairing with Founders Porter. The juicy, beefy flavors of a steak match the robust and complex nature of the beer. Other meat options include a seasoned pork chop or leg of lamb, which can also stand up to the bold flavors of the porter.

Spicy Dishes

The slight sweetness and low bitterness of Founders Porter make it an excellent choice to balance the heat of spicy dishes. Consider pairing it with chili or other spicy cuisine to create a harmonious contrast of flavors.

Desserts

The dark malts in Founders Porter hold up beautifully alongside rich, chocolatey desserts. Think flourless cakes, truffles, or tortes that are typically served with a gallon of milk to balance their richness. If you want to venture beyond chocolate, try a hot cobbler topped with French vanilla ice cream. The warm, sweet flavors of these desserts will play off the dark chocolate and caramel notes in the beer.

Cocktails and Mixed Drinks

Founders Brewing Co. also offers cocktail recipes featuring their porter, such as the Stormy Port(er). Additionally, some people enjoy adding a splash of vanilla ice cream to their porter for an indulgent, dessert-like experience.

Reviews of Founders' Porter

Founders Brewing Company's Porter is a popular choice among beer enthusiasts, with many positive reviews praising its complex flavours and smooth mouthfeel. Here is a detailed look at some of the reviews:

Appearance

The beer pours a deep, rich, and dark colour, ranging from mahogany to pitch black, with a creamy tan or dark khaki head that dissipates quickly, leaving a thin lacing. The opaque black colour is described as darker than most porters, adding to its visual appeal.

Aroma

On the nose, this porter showcases strong sweet aromas of chocolate and caramel malt, with hints of roasted coffee, dark chocolate, and dried fruit. Some reviewers also detect subtle scents of espresso, brown sugar, and floral hops, adding complexity to the aroma profile.

Taste

The taste of Founders Porter is where it truly shines, offering a delightful balance of flavours. It delivers on the promises made by its aroma, with notes of bittersweet chocolate, coffee, and caramel coming through. Some reviewers also detect hints of burnt caramel, dark roasted malts, and a subtle hoppy, piney bitterness that builds towards the finish. The beer has a medium body and mild carbonation, contributing to a smooth and creamy mouthfeel.

Mouthfeel and Overall Impressions

The mouthfeel of Founders Porter is described as silky smooth, full-bodied, and creamy, making it a pleasure to sip and savour. The bitterness is well-balanced, and it has a lingering bittersweet chocolate finish. Overall, reviewers praise Founders Porter as an outstanding, complex, and well-rounded beer that is perfect for chilly winter evenings. Some even consider it their new go-to porter or one of the best porters on the market.

Similar beers to Founders' Porter

Founders Porter is a dark beer with a robust and silky-smooth body. It has mild aromas of roasted coffee and dark chocolate, with a creamy tan head. The beer has a sweet nose with strong chocolate and caramel malt presence, creating a graham cracker sweetness.

• Edmund Fitzgerald Porter: This beer is noted for its bold and assertive character, with a dry and roast-forward profile. It is another highly regarded Midwest porter.
• Nitro Breakfast Stout: Also brewed by Founders Brewing Co., this stout has a smooth and creamy texture, with notes of chocolate and coffee.
• KBS Chocolate Espresso: This beer, also from Founders, combines chocolate and coffee flavours.
• Black Butte Porter: This porter, brewed by Deschutes Brewery, is mentioned in the same breath as Founders Porter by Paste Magazine, indicating that the two are similar.

Frequently asked questions