Things you didn't know about beer: Porter and Stout

Emerson's London Porter settling

In light of our new nitro pump installation this week, pouring you delicious Emerson's Porter, here's some interesting info about beer for your delectation. Our theme today - Porter and Stout.

• Have you every wondered when drinking a Stout or Porter, poured on nitrous, why it looks like some of the bubbles are sinking? That's because they are! Bubbles in the centre of the pint are rising and this creates a wee current in the glass. As the bubbles in the centre rise so the liquid on the outside of the glass is dragged downwards, taking the air bubbles down with it.

• The origins of Porter are in London in the 1720s. It became really popular due to it's strong flavour; the fact it took longer to spoil and fact that the alcohol content increased with age. London pumped out Porter over the next few decades with large amounts being exported to Ireland. Porter is often regarded to be one of the world's first commercial beer styles.

• The name Porter is thought to come from the river and street porters who favoured this style of beer to drink.

• Guinness Extra Stout was originally named "Extra Superior Porter" changing to Extra Stout in 1840. 

• The difference between a Porter and a Stout? Well originally it was a reference to the strength of the beer. A particularly strong Porter would've been called to an "Extra Porter", a "Double Porter" or a "Stout Porter". Eventually the name "Stout Porter" was just shortened to Stout. Today the differences aren't really so distinct with some beer enthusiasts arguing that there's not really much difference at all. Whilst others saying the the malts should differ or Porter should be lighter (as in style as opposed to strength).

Emerson's London Porter now on nitro from today!

Pouring the good stuff

Today we have had a brand new tap installed at Atlas! We're got a shiny new nitro tap with a keg of Emerson's London Porter tapped and ready to be poured into your glass.

What's a nitro pump? Most beers are pulled using CO2 or system that uses a mixture of CO2 and nitrogen to get the beer from the keg into the glass. Traditionally, it was hand pumps which used air along with a bit of elbow grease from whoever was pouring the pint. 

Using nitrogen alone makes for a really smooth pour which is great for dark beers, porters and stouts which serve well with little, or even no, carbonation. The result is smooth, tiny, creamy bubbles - Guinness being a well recognised point of reference for this.

If you are unfamiliar with Emerson's London Porter you can expect a dry, mellow brew with hoppy characteristics. It's firm-bodied without being heavy, has a creamy texture and the palate is roasted malt and coffee. 

If you are familiar with the porter it's definitely worth giving it a whirl now we have it on the nitro pump, it's a whole new experience!

Emerson's London Porter | 5% | $9 pint

Pump and pint

Waiting for it to settle

A quick sip for quality control

As always, please enjoy responsibly.

Emerson's Porter in Bottles

Roasty and toasty the Emerson's London Porter is the current bottled brew we have on the menu at Atlas. Although porters are now oft more associated with cold-month consumption, we know there's a few amongst our beer-loving patrons who savour a drop of the dark stuff. And, with the rather schizophrenic Summer we've had perhaps it was an uncanny bit of foresight on our manager's part to get some in stock, for those less clement days.

You can expect a dry but mellow brew with some hoppy characteristics. The nose is toasty with a hint of earthy sweetness and the beer itself whilst firm is not heavy in body. The finish is roasted malt, coffee with a little bitterness.

Emerson's London Porter | 5% | 11.5 500ml

Emerson's Porter back at Atlas

For those of you who love a darker drop we've got the Emerson's London Porter back in bottles at Atlas.

Here's the Emerson's tasting notes to get your mouth watering:

Porter is the oldest commercially brewed style. Dark, dry and mellow with some hop characteristics, it was the favourite tipple of London's porters. London Porter pours a deep brown colour with reddish tints, and the aroma is toasty, with a hint of sweetness and some earthy hop notes. Firm-bodied, but not heavy, with a creamy texture, the dryish palate is full of roasted malt, coffeeish notes and a sustained bitterness. 

So if you fancy enjoying one in the surrounds of your favourite craft beer cafe - come on down to see us. Porter's go well with any meaty dish so you could pair one with an Atlas steak & fries meal or the beefburger. Or you can simply enjoy one by itself and savour the complexity of the Emerson's London Porter flavours. Either way, it's delicious.

Emerson's London Porter | 5% | $11.5 | 500ml

As always, please enjoy responsibly.