The 1861 Keeping Porter stems from the 1861 Running Porter that Orbit brewed with Anspach & Hobday in spring 2022. The brewers kept back the final barrel of Running Porter to be aged in oak barrels with a house blend of Brettanomyces, revisiting it two years later as the 1861 Keeping Porter, part of Orbit Beers’ barrel-aged Digger’s Series range.
The ageing process produced a smooth, walnut-coloured beer with a complex, balsamic acidity. Aromas of cocoa, oak, vanilla, leather, and tobacco combine with a malt profile offering milk chocolate sweetness, flavours of figs, malted biscuits, and a long, dry finish.
Orbit Beers and Anspach & Hobday originally brewed the 1861 Running Porter for Wood Fest 2022. Inspired by a Victorian recipe from 1861, the Running Porter was designed to be served fresh, offering rich flavours from Pale Ale Malt, Brown Malt, and Black Malt, with Lallemand London ESB Yeast.
Historically, the Keeping Porter style was the norm. As demand grew, the Running Porter style evolved to be served fast and fresh. The Orbit brewers set aside the final barrel of Running Porter to age with a house blend of Brettanomyces (Bruxellenis, Clausenii, & Lambicus yeasts), ready now as part of the Digger’s Series range.
What is Brettanomyces?
Brettanomyces is a complex, wild yeast that can either accidentally or deliberately be introduced into beer. Historically, Brettanomyces flavours and characteristics were a reality of traditional brewing, especially before the mid-19th century, due to wooden vessels and limited cleaning techniques.
Modern brewing techniques have allowed brewers to control Brettanomyces, adding tart, funky flavours without unwanted sourness. This yeast is often used in bottle-conditioned beers, such as our 1861 Keeping Porter, and has contributed to the resurgence of traditional styles like Lambic, Gueuze, and Saisons.
Digger's Series
At Orbit Beers, we celebrate patience—whether it’s digging through records to find a rare gem or ageing beer in oak barrels to develop complex flavours. The 1861 Keeping Porter is part of our Digger’s Series, showcasing the artistry of barrel-aged beers.
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