Baltic porters are a dark red-brown to dark brown-black style of beer that originated in the countries surrounding the Baltic as a virtual hybrid of Russian imperial stouts and basic English porters. Most (but not all) baltic porters are lagers and take on smooth lager-like qualities. They are typically rich in malt content, featuring in their flavors, light roasted notes, caramel, toffee, complex blends of dark fruits (plums, raisins, prunes, grapes, and cherries), molasses, chocolate, and / or coffee. Baltic porters are never burnt like an imperial stout or heavily roasted or strongly hopped like an imperial porter (hops are a minor component of the aroma and flavor of a Baltic porter, playing only a complementary - if any at all - role to the rich maltiness). Baltic porters are full-bodied in mouthfeel, smooth, and can vary in carbonation levels from medium to high.
