Porters and Stouts originally come from Great Britain and Ireland. Dock workers in 18th century London were called porters. After a strenuous workday, the workers needed a powerful and rich beer: That's how Porter beer came about. The stronger beers of that type were called Stout-Porter, and over time became Stout - stronger in taste but not in ABV. Porters and Stouts are mostly deep black in color and have roast aromas of chocolate and coffee. Porters very often have sweet notes with a touch of chocolate whereas Stouts show a stronger roasted malt character and a tendency to coffee notes. Imperial Stouts hold a special position: These beers were shipped to Catherine the Great at the court of the Czar in the 18th century. In order to endure the long journey the beer was brewed with a higher alcohol content. At the Court of the Czar people werde delighted by the very strong brew. Imperial Stout was born! You have to experience the incredible eruption of flavors of an Imperial Stout!