American Wheat Beer and Baltic Porter

Exceptional examples may waft aroma notes of sweet malt, brown sugar, dark toast, anise, toffee, caramel, chocolate, dark fruits, port and spicy alcohol notes. Any hop presence should be unnoticeable to the nose and lactic or other acidic notes are never appropriate.

A deep malt sweetness with complex notes of fruity esters, alcohol, chocolate, light coffee, blackberry jam, currants, caramel, toffee and molasses meld on the palate with a moderate hop and dark malt bitterness that lingers into a pleasing finish. Continental European hop flavors from varieties such as Saaz, Spalt or Hallertau may range from barely noticeable to moderately low, with the malt bill usually containing debittered dark malts, Crystal malts and Munich or Vienna base malts. Compared to standard porters, Baltic versions boast enhanced dark fruit and malt complexity in addition to a well-aged, warming alochol presence. Oxidative notes of sherry may be present in bottles that have been cellared.

For a flavor treat alongside a Baltic Porter, try desserts such as caramel flan, cheesecake with cherries, fruit tars or creme brulee. Pate, brie orsweet, creamy raw oysters lightly topped with a shallot vinegar mignonette sauce also make a superb pairing.