trying my first porter

Ooh- I never heard of that. I'll have to look into it. Thanks.

 

I always look forward to Sam Adams holiday porter in the winter mix packs.

 

all I can say is lucky you, I just wish we got EF here.

 

Point taken on firsts, but that Smuttynose is damn fine.

 

OP, don't know if you get Deschutes in your area, but Black Butte is a fine specimen.

 

Def can't go wrong with Edmund Fitzgerald from Great Lakes or Old Leghumper from Thirsty Dog Brewing in Akron. Stone Smoked Porter is very good as is Sierra Nevada Porter and Founders Porter.

 

I vote for this as well!

EDIT: I know Victory At Sea is in ohio as well. but not sure what areas. If you can get that, that's what I would grab.

 

Not sure what your issue is with Baltic Porters--essentially the same flavor profile in a lighter body and with well-hidden alcohol. Haven't had Smuttynose Baltic, but put it on my list. Victory Baltic Thunder is a reasonable choice, but somewhat overpriced for the clarity of flavors. A couple of ultra-cheap sleepers with surprising quality (both Baltic, obviously): Alderis Porteris (Latvia) and Zywiec Porter (Poland, via Heineken). Both are very solid, stronger than average Baltic Porter (9.5% for Zywiec) and truly represent the region. Both can be hard to find sometimes, but are often ubiquitous at Polish or Russian Deli shops at about $2 for 1/2 liter (cheaper if you can find a 6-pack). I would describe them both as "a stout that drinks like a lager". Both Smuttynose and Sixpoint 3Bean are higher rated, but cost about double for 12-oz bottles/cans. Jack's Abby and Duck-Rabbit both make beautiful multiple versions (BA and flavors) but neither distributes widely and they even shortchange the locals. But, for basic porters, you can't go wrong with Great Lakes, especially since they are practically local.

 

Smuttynose Robust Porter might be the best porter I've ever had. Founder's Porter is great, but would come up a close second (at least as far as basic, non-Imperial, non-BA, and no special additives Porters go). I really don't love Edmund Fitzgerald. For me it's far too thin. But, to each his own!

 

I sincerely hope Edmond Fitzgerald to be my dieing beer. Highly recomend it for your first porter.

But definitely follow up w/ all available others.

 

Yards General Washington porter is pretty decent

 

Great Lakes Edmund Fitzgerald
Founders Porter
Sierra Nevada Porter
Thirsty Dog Old Leghumper
Smuttynose Robust Porter
Stone Smoked Porter
Hoppin Frog Silk Porter
Rogue Mocha Porter

You can probably find all of these around you now.

 

I know it's rated highly and is the obvious choice, but I just can't say enough good things about Founders Porter. The pinnacle of the style... in my personal opinion.

 

Founder's Porter or Port City Porter

 

That pack is at least 3 for 4 if not 4 for 4. Good hunting! (Know nothing about Burning River, hence the hesitation to go up to 4)

 

Breckenridge Vanilla Porter.

 

Ballast Point Victory at Sea.

 

Another good one is Odell Cutthroat.