New Baltic Porter

Modern Brewery Age,  August 29, 2005  

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Baltic Porter is the latest in "Cellar Reserve" specialty beers from the Grand Teton Brewing Company of Victor, Idaho. "This thick, rich, dark ale was brewed with a special German roasted malt which has had its husk removed, producing a very smooth, sweet flavor," says sales manager Chuck Nowicki. "We also used British crystal malt, which contributes some caramel flavor, and spiced the brew with Lublin hops from Poland. This strong beer boasts flavors of chocolate, coffee and licorice, and is best enjoyed in moderation paired with full-flavored grilled meats or with chocolate."

Nowicki noted that the Baltic Porter style can trace its roots to one of Europe's most interesting monarchs. When Catherine the Great visited England, she developed a taste for British stout and asked that some be shipped to her at the Russian court. The shipment spoiled on its way to St. Petersburg, and Catherine was not happy. The Barclay brewery of London saved the day by brewing a particularly strong stout that could survive the journey. The beer was very well received at the palace, and came to be known as Imperial Russian Stout.

Similar beers were soon produced by other breweries and shipped to Nordic ports and throughout the Baltic. Eventually, Baltic breweries made their own versions, which were usually referred to as porters. The Grand Teton version has 7.5% alcohol by volume. The company says it is intended for long shelf life, and could be cellared. "Grand Teton Brewing will produce four beers a year in the Cellar Reserve line, and each will be unique from our other beers," Nowicki says. "The production quantity is also very limited. Baltic Porter is available in kegs and unique brown litre bottles, silk screened with the Grand Teton Brewing logo. Each bottle has a special "Grolsch" top ceramic with a wire bale lid that has been sealed in colored wax."

Baltic Porter is now available at select locations in Idaho, Wyoming and Montana.

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