What type of finish do American porters typically have compared to British porters?

American porters are known for their drier finish compared to British porters, which often have a sweeter profile. The American take on the style typically incorporates a more pronounced hop presence and can utilize different varieties of roasted malts, leading to a drier sensation on the palate. This drier finish aligns with the broader trend in many American craft beers, where the malt sweetness is balanced or even overshadowed by hop bitterness or a clean fermentation character.

In contrast, British porters tend to showcase a smoother, malt-forward sweetness, often influenced by less aggressive hopping and the use of traditional British malt varieties that contribute to a richer mouthfeel and lingering sweetness. This results in a more rounded and sweeter finish in British porters.

Understanding these regional nuances helps to differentiate between the two styles and appreciate the variations that different brewing traditions bring to similar beer categories.