The original black beer of England, of which stout was a stronger variation. Soft roastiness in nose. Lightly or firmly hopped, dryish or slightly rich. Paler than stout. American Porters are often quite hoppy, and so probably more true in some ways to early porter and stout than modern English ones. Lots of variety, but always plenty of roastiness, sometimes a touch caramelly, and balanced to one degree or another by American hops.