East Brother Beer Co. Unveils Baltic Porter

East Brother Beer Co. in Richmond, California has announced a new release called Baltic Porter. Full details are below.

Sharing the latest news from East Brother Beer Co. with the release of our Baltic Porter, a celebration of the underdog, the scrappy go-getter who doesn’t let an international conflict get in the way of enjoying a beer (more on that below). Brewed using all Thomas Fawcett malts, this lager is the perfect complement to a cold autumn/winter day, with flavors of dried cherry, cocoa, coffee, and a rich lingering presence. Slight alcohol warmth also plays well with the season’s colder weather.

A beer born of necessity

Baltic Porter, called an English Porter during its origins, got its humble beginnings in the ports of England where it was favored by the dock workers that loaded and unloaded ships, hence its name. As Porter grew in popularity, more breweries began to brew the style, leading to a search for new markets; in fact, Porter was one of the first global beer styles. Among these new markets for English Porter were the ports along the Baltic Sea, and the style quickly became a go-to in this region. The stronger “stout” Porter would become a favorite in the Russian Imperial Court, later known as Russian Imperial Stout. 

But in 1806, Napolean imposed a continental blockade, slowing if not stopping the flow of English beer and other goods into the Baltics. So what does one do when their favorite beer is no longer available? Make your own, of course! Baltic brewers took the English Porter style and began brewing it using regional malts and hops; but the most crucial change was the switch from top-fermenting ale yeast to bottom-fermenting lager yeast - providing a cleaner profile with a smooth roast character.

East Brother Beer Co.’s Baltic Porter

Our classic Baltic Porter has rich and layered malt characteristics; Halcyon, a floor-malted malt, comprises the basis of the malt bill while Crystal, Chocolate and Black malts add flavor and complexity. It’s made with German Lager yeast, offering up rich flavors of plums, cherries and molasses. In keeping with East Brother’s Beer Co.’s classic approach, this Baltic Porter at 8.6% ABV is a smooth, clean-finishing beer that beckons you for more.