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Lagers Get Some Love
In the 18th century, the strong English stouts were exported through the Baltic region to Russia—the origin of the Russian imperial stout style. Seeing this success, traditional lager- making breweries along the export route developed their own version of the style: strong and black, but bottom-fermented and lagered. Baltic porters are smooth, with caramel, chocolate and licorice notes, lacking the roasted, gristy qualities of a stout. Low hop aroma, medium- to full-bodied, with a sweet malty character. Strength ranges from 6 to as high as 9 percent ABV.
Interpreting the 100-point Scale
Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:
| Point Range |
Quality Band |
| 96-100 points |
Platinum |
| 90-95 points |
Gold |
| 85-90 points |
Silver |
| 80-84 points |
Bronze |
| Less than 80 |
Not Recommended |
Legend
= Brewpub- ABV = Alcohol by volume
- Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted
93 Amnesia Baltic Porter, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). 8.2% ABV (11/09) 
Opaque brown black color. Aromas of molasses, prunes, dried apples, and dark roasted chestnuts follow through on a big, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium-full body with crème brûlée, malt vinegar, and cocoa notes. Finishes with a long, chewy toffee, dried citrus, green peppercorn and grassy hop fade. A tasty, powerhouse of Baltic Porter that hits all the high notes.
89 Pack-It-Porter: Baltic, Pagosa Brewing Company (CO). 9.2% ABV (11/11)
Brown black color. Hint of smoked meat and nuts and dried cherries on the nose with a supple, chewy dry-yet-fruity medium-full body and a tangy, dried citrus and pear, beets, mocha, and peppery grassy hops. A fun bbq beer.
