WHY “PORTER”?

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 10 January 1931, Page 4

WHY “PORTER”?

Prior to the year 1722 the malt liquors in general use in London wore ale, beer, and “twopenny,” and it was customary for tho drinkers of malt liquor to call for a tankard of half-and-half-half of ale and half of beer, or half of beer and half of “twopenny.” In course of time it also becamo the practice to call for a tankard of “threethirds,” meaning a third of ale, beer, and “twopenny.” Thus the publican had the trouble of going to three casks and turning three cocks for a pint of liquor, for in those days the convenient beer-engines of the modern tap-room were unknown. To avoid the troublo and waste, a brewer of the name of Harwood conceived the idea of making a liquor which should partake of tho united flavours of ale, beer, and “twopenny.” He succeeded in doing so, and called it “entire,” or “entire butt beer,” meaning that it was drawn entirely from one cask or butt. It was a hearty, nourishing liquor, and very suitable for porters and other working people! Hence it obtained its present name of “porter.”