What’s the Difference Between a Porter and a Stout? Let’s Break It Down

April 9, 2025

Porter vs Stout: The Steamy Showdown of the Dark Beer World

So, you’re standing in front of your fermenter, trying to decide your next brew project. You’ve been dabbling with pale ales and lagers, but now the cooler weather’s creeping in, and something about rich, dark beers just feels right. But here’s the conundrum – porter or stout? They look almost identical. They both smell like delicious roasted dreams. So, what’s the real difference between a porter and a stout?

Well mate, it’s not as clear-cut as you might think (...even though these drinks are anything but clear). Let’s break it down together – like two mates having a yarn over a homebrew.

A Brew with History

The roots of porter go way back to the 1700s. Picture the old-timey streets of London – fog, chimney smoke, and working-class blokes knocking back a dark, malty beer that was hearty enough to replace lunch. That was porter – strong, nourishing and made with brown malt. Stout, believe it or not, came along as a “stronger" version of a porter. Originally called “stout porter,” it was just a more robust brew with a higher alcohol content. Over time though, stout marched off into its own lane and started doing its own thing.

The Tangible Differences Today

These days, the line between porter and stout is more like... a smudge. Especially with micro- and homebrewers (like you and me) adding their creative twist. But there are still some standout features that can help you tell who’s who in the glass.

Malt Choices: Porters tend to use malted barley, sometimes with a hint of chocolate or brown malt. Stouts often bring roasted unmalted barley to the party, giving stouts that deep coffee-like punch.
Flavour Profiles: Porters lean smooth and chocolatey with dark fruit tones, while stouts tend to be drier, sharper, and often bitter thanks to roasted grains or additions like lactose or oats.
Colour & Head: Sure, they’re both darker than a long winter's night. But porters usually have a slight ruby hue if held to the light, versus a pitch-black stout. Head-wise, stouts sometimes boast that cascading, tight-knit crema, just like your morning flat white.

A Homebrewer’s Head-to-Head: Meet the Brews in Action

You don’t have to just read about porters and stouts – you can make them at home. And the best way to understand the difference is to brew one of each. Lucky for us, we’ve got some stellar choices stocked and ready.

Thomas Coopers Devil’s Half Ruby Porter is rich with character (honestly, it’s borderline seductive). A full-bodied brew that flaunts a deep ruby tone beneath a creamy tan head, it wraps flavours of roasted malt, chocolate and juicy dark fruits into a smooth, slightly sweet finish. If you’re craving complexity without bitterness, this porter delivers the goods. It’s a dream for those of us who love curling up with a dark, warming beer that doesn't punch you in the face.

Love adding your spin to things? Try jacking it up with fresh vanilla beans, a dose of cherry concentrate, or even a swirl of dark maple syrup. This base can handle a little creative chaos.

Then there’s the Coopers Original Stout – dark as a moonless sky. It shows off that signature espresso crema-like head and bursts with roast coffee, chocolate, and grainy aromas. This bad boy has malt complexity in spades, with a robust mouthfeel and a tongue-smackingly dry finish thanks to bold hop bitterness. This one doesn’t muck around. Burnt toast, black coffee, maybe even a hint of woodsmoke.

If you’ve ever fancied making a beer that ages like a good red wine, this is your playground. It matures into something even more complex over time, so it’s perfect to batch bottle – one for now, a few for later.

Which One Should You Brew?

That depends on your mood and mission. If you’re a drink-it-straight-from-the-cellar kind of person, go for the porter. Its smooth profile and chocolatey roundness are crowd-pleasers and just sweet enough. It’s like having dessert before dinner.

If, on the other hand, you daydream about dense gravity, intense richness, and impressing your mates with something hard-hitting, stout is your jam. Maybe even try adding oats for creaminess or lactose if you’re angling for a milk stout twist.

Homebrew Takeaways

Porter: Smooth and layered, with noticeable chocolate and fruit. Slightly sweet finish.
Stout: Dry, bitter, complex. Roasty and bold with a punchy edge.
You: The kind of brewer who can master both with a few ingredients and the right approach.

Whichever route you choose, try giving both a crack. Real understanding comes from the craftwork – tinkering, waiting, tasting. And when that freshly poured pint slides across the counter and you take that first sip, you’ll know you made the right call.

Cheers to rich, roasty adventures 🍻

All the best,
Candeece