In the 1700's brewer Ralph Harwood in London came up with a beer that mimicked the flavor of a blended beer that was popular at the time. The hard working London porters favored this beer and it soon became known as Porter beer. Modern British porters are dark, full bodied ales showing more roasted character than brown ales, but less than stouts. At less than 5 percent, porters are not nearly so fearsome as they appear. Chuckanut Porter is surprisingly refreshing!