Running Porter: A Beer Made for Cheese 5%
A collaboration with Neal's Yard Dairy
Malt – Maris Otter, Brown, Black, Chocolate, Crystal, Flaked Barley
Hops – East Kent Goldings, Bramling Cross
Yeast – House Ale Yeast
We wanted this to be a little lighter and fresher than the other porter recipes we brew, to acknowledge its ‘running’ nature, and to pair better with the territorial cheeses that inspired this collaboration. This beer leans into light cocoa, almost cola aromatics, with the herbal fruity hedgerow of Goldings and Bramling Cross. The body is refreshing, a touch of warmth, a touch of roast, a touch of tea-like tannins. It moves through a red-berry phase into a hazelnut / praline roundness, then a clean dry finish.
At The Kernel we have a longstanding friendship with Neal’s Yard Dairy, we share a love for food and drink rooted in tradition, a respect for place and process, and a curiosity about how heritage products can remain relevant, and delicious, in the modern world.
EAT THEM OR LOSE THEM is an initiative spearheaded by Neal’s Yard Dairy, with the aim of reinvigorating interest in British Territorial Cheeses. Styles such as Lancashire, Wensleydale, Cheshire and Caerphilly, for centuries regional staples made with raw milk and according to traditional recipes, not only sustained the families of farm workers but were transported and enjoyed across the country.
Our Running Porter embodies the deep connections between two deeply British crafts: cheesemaking and brewing. In the 18th and 19th centuries ‘running’ beers were brewed to be enjoyed fresh, in contrast to “keeping” beers that were aged. This freshness aligns beautifully with crumbly territorial cheeses, which are them-selves often younger and with a lively, lactic character.
At its core, this collaboration is about drawing attention to the parallels between two modern foods/drinks that wear their history with pride. Both porters and territorial cheese are products of place and process. They reflect landscapes, communities and evolving craftsmanship and they can help connect our customers with a rich food heritage. Click here if you'd like to know more about the collaboration."