How I Created a Stunning Porter with Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter

February 12, 2025

Brewing a Porter Worth Sharing with Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter

There’s something downright satisfying about crafting a rich, full-bodied porter at home. It’s a mix of precision, patience, and a touch of magic. When brewed just right, the results are enough to make you beam with pride. That's exactly what happened when I brewed with Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter. The deep ruby hue, the comforting hit of roasted malt, and that smooth, slightly sweet finish—it became an experience, not just a beer.

The Appeal of a Porter Brew

For those who enjoy dark beers, a well-crafted porter is more than just a drink; it’s a slow sip of warmth and depth. It’s the kind of brew that takes you to a dimly lit pub with a crackling fire, even when you're just in your backyard. The beauty is in the balance—roasty bitterness softened by hints of chocolate and dark fruit.

Diving into the Brew Day

Brewing always starts with gathering ingredients and ensuring everything is squeaky clean. One overlooked sanitation step, and you’ve got an unintended science experiment instead of a delicious brew.

Once everything was in place, I cracked open the can of Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter. That first hit of aroma—sweet malt blended with chocolate and a touch of roasted depth—told me this was going to be a winner. The thick, syrupy malt extract poured into the fermenter like liquid gold (or more accurately, liquid ruby).

Fermentation: The Waiting Game

Porters are best treated with patience. Their dark malt character benefits from a steady, controlled fermentation. I kept my batch around 18-20°C, allowing the yeast to do its work at a comfortable pace. Over the first few days, the airlock bubbled away, a reassuring sign that everything was on track.

After about two weeks, it was time to check on the progress. A quick taste sample confirmed that the deep malt complexity had fully developed. That roasted and chocolate essence had settled beautifully, and the slightly sweet finish was coming through as promised. No surprises there—just a well-behaved fermentation.

Bottling and the Grand Finale

Carbonation can make or break the final experience, so I batch-primed carefully before bottling. I gave my porter another couple of weeks in bottles, watching as it conditioned into something grand. And then—the moment of truth.

Pouring that first glass was deeply satisfying. A perfect ruby glow in the right light, capped with a creamy tan head that begged to be admired for a few moments before taking that first sip. When the roasted malt and chocolate notes kicked in, followed by that smooth, slightly sweet dark fruit finish, I knew this was a keeper.

Why This Porter Stands Out

A great homebrew kit isn’t just about convenience; it’s about quality. Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter delivers on all fronts:

Rich Colour: That ruby hue gives the porter depth before you even take a sip.
Robust Flavour: A blend of roasted malt, chocolate, and dark fruit creates complexity in every glass.
Smooth Drinkability: While full-bodied, it finishes with a balanced sweetness that makes it exceptionally enjoyable.

For those venturing into darker homebrews, this is an excellent starting point. The depth of flavour makes it great on its own, but it also pairs well with heartier foods—think smoky meats, aged cheeses, or even a rich chocolate dessert.

Would I Brew This Again?

Absolutely. Some beers are one-and-done experiences, but something this good deserves a repeat performance. There’s plenty of room for a few custom tweaks next time too—maybe a hint of vanilla or a bit of oak aging to add another layer of richness.

If you've been toying with the idea of brewing something darker and malt-forward, this porter is the perfect place to start. Pull out your fermenter and get brewing. It's worth it.

Cheers to homebrewed perfection! 🍻