When I first started exploring dark beers, I honestly couldn’t tell the difference between a porter and a stout. They looked the same, smelled similar, and had that deep, roasted vibe I’d quickly grown to love.
But over time — and after tasting dozens of brilliant brews for Beerhunter — I’ve come to properly appreciate the subtle (and not-so-subtle) differences. Now, porters are some of my favourite styles to recommend, especially for people who think stouts are a bit too heavy or bitter.
So if you’ve ever asked “What actually makes a porter different from a stout?”, you’re not alone. And this guide’s for you.
A porter, at its core, is a dark ale made with roasted malts. What makes it special — and what I really love about it — is the smoothness. You still get those rich notes of chocolate, toffee, and sometimes subtle fruit, but without the heavier bitterness or punch you often find in stouts.
The style goes way back to 18th-century London, originally brewed for street and dock workers — aka porters. That heritage always adds something for me. Drinking a proper British porter feels like connecting with brewing history in every sip.
When friends ask me about the difference, I usually put it like this:
| Feature | Porter | Stout |
|---|---|---|
| Flavour | Chocolate, mild roast, toffee | Bitter chocolate, espresso, roasted barley |
| Mouthfeel | Smooth and medium-bodied | Creamy and sometimes heavier |
| Bitterness | Milder | Often bolder and more intense |
| ABV | Often 4–6% | Typically stronger, but not always |
It’s not a science — even brewers blur the lines. But in general, porters are softer, sweeter, and smoother. Stouts lean roastier, drier, and more bitter.
What I always say? Don’t overthink it — just taste both.
I’ve tried a lot of porters over the years — some brilliant, some forgettable. But these are a few I keep coming back to and recommend confidently:
This one’s for when I want something bold and historical. At 6.1%, it’s a bottle-conditioned export-strength porter brewed in London. Big on roasted malt, but balanced with subtle hops and a dry finish. It’s proper.
A personal favourite — fruity, smooth, and ridiculously drinkable. I’ve brought this one to a few gatherings and it always converts people who say “I don’t usually like dark beer.” The 330ml cans are perfect for midweek drinks too.
This is a great gateway porter — mellow, smooth, and brewed with that modern Cloudwater finesse. I grab this one when I want something lighter that still satisfies those dark beer cravings.
Here’s how I’d describe a classic porter profile, based on my own tasting notes over the years:
Chocolate malt (but not sweet like dessert)
Toffee and caramel warmth
Gentle coffee roast – more mocha than espresso
Hints of dried fruit or nuttiness in some styles
Medium body with soft carbonation
I love that they’re flavourful without being overpowering — you can savour them or session them.
I’m a big believer in matching beer to food, and porters are amazing for this. These are my go-to combos:
Chargrilled burgers or BBQ – smoky + roasty = perfect
Mature cheddar or Stilton – salty cheeses love dark malt
Roast dinners – especially with parsnips and gravy
Chocolate desserts – the ultimate porter pairing
Honestly, next time you’re having sticky toffee pudding or rich chocolate cake, try it with a porter. You’ll thank me.
Here’s the thing: porters don’t get the same hype as hazy IPAs or pastry stouts — but they absolutely should. They’re comforting, complex, and full of flavour without being too boozy or heavy.
They’re the unsung heroes of the dark beer world — and if you ask me, they’re ideal for UK drinkers who want that rich malt profile in a more balanced, approachable form.
👉 Fancy trying some for yourself?
You can shop all my favourite dark beers in our Porter beer collection. Whether you're into fruity, roasty or export-strength, there’s something with your name on it.
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