When the temperature drops, and the days become shorter, there's something irresistible about reaching for a dark beer. Of course, a porter is the go-to winter pint. But what if you could have all the rich, roasted character of a porter combined with the clean, crisp drinkability of a lager? That’s where our Cold Porter comes in.
A Lager in Porter's Clothing
We created the Cold Porter to merge two of the nation’s favourite beer styles- lager and porter. While it looks and tastes like a classic porter, from the colour to the malt profile, it's actually brewed using lager techniques. This means we ferment it with our house lager yeast at cooler temperatures (around 10-15°C), then give it an extended cold conditioning period, lagering at -1°C for exceptional smoothness.
The result? A beer that combines the best of both worlds: the depth and complexity porter drinkers crave, with the clean finish and drinkability that makes lagers so sessionable.
The Baltic Connection
This style has its roots in the Baltic region, where it's known as Baltic Porter. The story goes that English porters were imported to countries like Poland, Finland, and Estonia, where local brewers adapted the style using their preferred lager techniques. What emerged was something unique- darker and more complex than typical lagers, but smoother and crisper than traditional porters.
Traditional Baltic Porters tend to be robust in alcohol content, often sitting between 6-9% ABV with a rich, almost sweet character. Our Cold Porter takes a different approach. At 4.2% ABV, it's deliberately sessionable so you can enjoy more pints or less of the effects.
The classic London porter malt profile still shines through with its spectrum of coffee, toffee, and chocolate notes, while New World hops add a subtle touch of tropical and citrus character that keeps things interesting. The lagering process is crucial here. It allows all those complex flavours to integrate and mellow, resulting in a medium-bodied beer that's incredibly easy to drink despite its dark appearance. It's the kind of beer that surprises people: it looks intense but drinks with remarkable ease.
The Craft of Lagering
With Cold Porter, we're applying all of our lager brewing expertise to a traditionally ale-driven style. The cold fermentation produces fewer fruity esters, those banana and pear notes you might find in traditional porters. Instead, the malt character comes through with clarity and precision. The chocolate and coffee notes aren't muddied by competing flavours; they're clean, distinct, and beautifully integrated.
That final lagering at -1°C is where the magic really happens. At this temperature, any remaining harsh edges smooth out, the carbonation integrates perfectly, and the beer develops a polish that's immediately noticeable on the first sip. It's the difference between good and great, and it's worth every day of patience it requires.
A Porter for Lager Lovers (and Everyone Else)
If you've ever thought, "I wish porters weren't so heavy" or "I love lagers but want something more interesting," Cold Porter is brewed with you in mind. It bridges the gap between styles, offering the visual drama and flavour depth of a porter with the refreshing drinkability of a well-made lager.
There's something particularly satisfying about creating a beer that appeals to multiple audiences. Porter enthusiasts appreciate the authentic dark malt character and roasted notes. Lager drinkers are drawn to that clean, crisp finish. And for those who might typically shy away from darker beers, Cold Porter offers a gateway as it's approachable enough to be a first dark beer, yet satisfying enough for seasoned drinkers.
Cold Porter is a limited release, available while stocks last through the colder months. It's become something of a seasonal ritual for many of our drinkers- that first pint of Cold Porter signalling that the autumn/winter season has arrived. The limited nature means we can focus on getting it absolutely right each year, fine-tuning the recipe and ensuring that the extended lagering period delivers maximum smoothness. It also means that when it arrives, it feels special, as a beer worth seeking out rather than something you can pick up any time.
Pillars Cold Porter is the answer to the question "what should I drink as winter arrives?" and we think you're going to love it. It pairs beautifully with hearty food- think rich stews, roasted meats, or even chocolate desserts, but it's equally as enjoyable to sip and savour on its own.
Cold Porter is available now while stocks last. Order online or find it at your nearest Pillars stockist.
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