Porter is a dark ale defined by roasted and chocolate malts, offering flavours of cocoa, toasted grain, and light caramel without the intensity or burnt edge found in many stouts. It carries moderate bitterness, a smooth body, and a balanced finish that keeps the beer drinkable rather than heavy. Traditional examples lean drier and more sessionable, while modern versions may add a touch of sweetness or fuller body, but the core remains the same: a dark ale built on roast, clarity, and restraint.