Today's porters are made a bit differently: Instead of blending in old beer, brewers enrich a lighter base beer with a dash of dark brown, caramel or coffee malt as well as, often, a liberal dose of potent American hops for extra kick.

WSJ: Porters Get Fresh | Half Full

The result is a dark and broody palette for leather coats spliced with fur, the colors shifting from black to caramel to brown.

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