Thrale & Co. Exports Strong Porter to Russia’s Imperial Court

In 1795, a history of the parish of St. Saviour in Southwark described the international trade of Thrale & Co.’s Anchor Brewery. Its porter was exported from London to markets ranging from Russia to Bengal and Sumatra. The account stated that the Empress of Russia had repeatedly ordered large quantities for herself and her court. The exported beer was described at the time as porter rather than Russian Imperial Stout. Nevertheless, the Anchor Brewery’s strong, durable porter became part of the historical foundation from which later imperial and Russian stout terminology developed. Its trade with Russia connected the strength and keeping qualities of London porter with a market that later became central to the identity of the style.