I decided to go outside the norm for my porter this time and landed myself what is known as a Baltic Porter. Porters of this style were usually made stronger than their English cousins, but share many of the characteristics. Usually dark brown in color, cloudy with a smoky flavor and a thick head.
The Sterkens Brewery in the village of Meer in the North of Belgium has been brewing since 1651 and kept sales in Belgium until about 1990 when then began to export overseas. Today, approximately 95% of there production is shipped overseas.
The appearance is definitely all porter. I poured this one into a pint glass nice an slow. The result was a very nice thick head that dissipated to a sustainable thin one minutes later. The lacing produced was medium in texture and hung on the glass well.
The aroma was what caught me by surprise. Usually a porter will have a nice smoky malt aroma, this one did not. Although I smelled the spiced choclately aroma usually found in a porter, and a malt presence was also felt, just not typical of a porter.
The taste was about what I expected after sniffing this one. Chocolaty flavors, hints of spice and a mild smoky flavor. For those in the know, there is a difference between a porter and a smoked porter. Granted, the latter is more of an American invention. However most porters still have a smoky taste. This was weak in that department. However, it had a very creamy taste to it, typical of a Belgian brew.
As to the mouthfeel, this was also different that most porters. very crisp and light the longer you savor it. Not typical for a porter.
Overall, I was not as happy with this one as I expected to be. That maybe due to my expecting a typical porter. When you stop to consider what this beer is trying to be though, a Belgian take on a Baltic Porter, it likely succeeds, although with an ABV of around 7%, it was too light for me. Since I was having light fare tonight anyway (a roast beef snadwich), it went nicely with it.
I will have to try this Hoogstraten Poorter, thanks for the review
I might have to try this one just to see what the deal is. Like you stated, crisp and light are not typical for a porter, especially a baltic.
There are a number of full, rich baltic porters out there that are wonderful. D. Carnegie & Co. Stark-porter, Sinebrychoff Porter, and Full Sail Imperial Porter (not sure if this is still made) are great representations in my opinion. One of my all-time favorite beers is Perkuno’s Hammer, a baltic from the now defunct Heavyweight Brewing (RIP). I had that beer in the bottle, on tap, and on cask and it blew my socks off everytime.
Thanks for the review, and cheers!
It’s been a while since I’ve had one of these. The first time was back in 2003, before I really even knew what non-lager beer was. It definitely took me by surprise then.
I do remember it being much more of what I expect from European/Belgian style beers. It doesn’t have the intense body and roasted malt of many American porters. The Hoogstraten seemed to me to be more of a sweet brown ale.
Then again, I could be making this all up… Either way, I love the porcelain bottles. That alone makes it worth drinking!