Always Christmas Porter
Stigbergets Bryggeri


- From:
- Stigbergets Bryggeri
- Sweden
- Style:
- English Porter
- ABV:
- 5%
- Score:
- +7 ratings needed
- Avg:
- 3.87 | pDev: 8.01%
- Ratings:
- | reviews: 2
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Jan 10, 2026
- Added:
- Dec 01, 2024
- Wants:
- 0
- Gots:
- 0
Often pilsner, sometimes IPA but Always Porter. For us, by us.
WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN ?
The development of porter is often attributed to a need for a strong, flavorful, and affordable beer that could cater to the working-class population of London. The term “porter” is said to have originated from the beer’s popularity among London’s porters and other laborers who worked in the bustling markets and docks. Its affordability made it accessible to a broader segment of the population, particularly that working class. These workers sought a hearty and sustaining beverage that could provide them with energy, refreshment and a little relaxation after a day of labor. Just like us.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THOUGH
Golden Promise and Vienna malt provide a background for Simpson’s Premium English Caramalt, DRC, Pale Chocolate, plenty of torrified and malted wheat, and a touch of roasted barley. Hopped with classic English varieties Fuggles and East Kent Goldings in the kettle and whirlpool for a balancing bitterness.
Dark black yet bright, rich and round in taste, a smooth mouthfeel with a dry ashy finish. Subtle bitterness with roasty notes, nutty and chocolatey aromas, hints of coffee and burnt sugar.
WHAT DOES IT EVEN MEAN ?
The development of porter is often attributed to a need for a strong, flavorful, and affordable beer that could cater to the working-class population of London. The term “porter” is said to have originated from the beer’s popularity among London’s porters and other laborers who worked in the bustling markets and docks. Its affordability made it accessible to a broader segment of the population, particularly that working class. These workers sought a hearty and sustaining beverage that could provide them with energy, refreshment and a little relaxation after a day of labor. Just like us.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THOUGH
Golden Promise and Vienna malt provide a background for Simpson’s Premium English Caramalt, DRC, Pale Chocolate, plenty of torrified and malted wheat, and a touch of roasted barley. Hopped with classic English varieties Fuggles and East Kent Goldings in the kettle and whirlpool for a balancing bitterness.
Dark black yet bright, rich and round in taste, a smooth mouthfeel with a dry ashy finish. Subtle bitterness with roasty notes, nutty and chocolatey aromas, hints of coffee and burnt sugar.
Recent ratings and reviews.
Reviewed by JamFuel from Sweden
4.25/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +9.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours jet black with thick tan head.
Smell is roasted with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, brown bread and some hints of soy sauce and cured meat.
Taste is roasted and a bit fruity with notes of coffee, chocolate, rye bread and licorice. Moderate bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, smooth and well carbonated.
Overall, a very nice porter, full of flavor for the ABV.
Jan 10, 2026Smell is roasted with notes of dark chocolate, coffee, brown bread and some hints of soy sauce and cured meat.
Taste is roasted and a bit fruity with notes of coffee, chocolate, rye bread and licorice. Moderate bitterness.
Mouthfeel is medium, smooth and well carbonated.
Overall, a very nice porter, full of flavor for the ABV.
Reviewed by Beginner2 from Illinois
3.85/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
3.85/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
I bought this from Mikkeller & Friends bottle shop in Copenhagen's Norreport Food Market, a great source for eclectic beer.
I added this; but to make sure it was a different brew I went on UnTappd who, sure enough, had the Christmas special. But I decided the best description was the one that passed UnTapped's muster for the regular Always Porter since I'm betting they are similar. In fact, they must be.
I really don't detect a lot of the Christmas spices and piney aromas typical of holiday brews. Yet this clearly is a very good porter to my palate. So I decided to not let it fall into the Winter Warmer rubric. I cannot suggest how to improve this Christmas porter. It has the "stale"/new porter ratio correct. It Looks and Smells the part of an English Porter. It's toasty and complex. It gives a laborer (porter) something to think about other than work.
As for Stigbergets, they are thoughtful and dedicated and deserve a long micro-review; but they get only a short one now. I went on their website and watched two videos and they are, I can comfortably say, beer nerds. And for that, I give this 10 year old some pretty good Overall Hugs. And I hope to have their brews again. Skal !
Dec 01, 2024I added this; but to make sure it was a different brew I went on UnTappd who, sure enough, had the Christmas special. But I decided the best description was the one that passed UnTapped's muster for the regular Always Porter since I'm betting they are similar. In fact, they must be.
I really don't detect a lot of the Christmas spices and piney aromas typical of holiday brews. Yet this clearly is a very good porter to my palate. So I decided to not let it fall into the Winter Warmer rubric. I cannot suggest how to improve this Christmas porter. It has the "stale"/new porter ratio correct. It Looks and Smells the part of an English Porter. It's toasty and complex. It gives a laborer (porter) something to think about other than work.
As for Stigbergets, they are thoughtful and dedicated and deserve a long micro-review; but they get only a short one now. I went on their website and watched two videos and they are, I can comfortably say, beer nerds. And for that, I give this 10 year old some pretty good Overall Hugs. And I hope to have their brews again. Skal !
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