Pollyanna Porter 4Pk

Pollyanna Porter 4Pk is a 6.8% ABV American porter from Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont, Illinois, sold in a four-pack. Formally named "Eleanor," this flagship porter distinguishes itself through an internationally sourced grain bill that combines Belgian caramel malts with American chocolate malts, fermented with English yeast and balanced by German hops.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.8%  |  IBU: 35  |  Origin: Lemont, Illinois, USA  |  Style: American Porter  |  Brewery: Pollyanna Brewing Company

Production & Heritage

Pollyanna Brewing Company is headquartered in Lemont, Illinois, a southwest suburb of Chicago. Eleanor stands as the brewery's flagship dark ale, built on a grain bill that draws from multiple brewing traditions: Belgian caramel malts provide a deep toffee backbone, while American chocolate malts deliver the roasted character central to the style. German hops contribute measured bitterness at 35 IBUs, and English yeast rounds out fermentation with subtle fruity esters. This cross-continental approach to ingredients gives Eleanor a layered complexity uncommon in many American porters that rely on a single malt origin.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: The nose opens with pungent, resinous hops before giving way to baker's chocolate and freshly pulled espresso. Underneath, caramelized raisin and a subtle vanilla sweetness develop as the beer warms in the glass.

Taste: The entry is dominated by rich dark chocolate and deep caramel, immediately supported by a pronounced coffee bitterness at the mid-palate. As the sip develops, dried dark fruit — particularly raisin — emerges alongside a moderate hop bitterness that prevents the malt sweetness from becoming cloying. The balance between roasted grain and caramel malt keeps each sip engaging.

Finish: Medium in length with a roasty, slightly dry close. Lingering notes of espresso and bittersweet chocolate fade gradually, with a hint of vanilla on the tail end.

How to Drink Pollyanna Porter

Eleanor rewards patient sipping at cellar temperature — around 50–55°F — where its malt complexity fully opens up. Pouring into a tulip glass or English pint concentrates the chocolate and coffee aromatics.

• Porter Float: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream amplifies Eleanor's caramel-vanilla undertones and creates a rich dessert drink.
• Black Velvet (porter variation): Layered with dry sparkling cider, the porter's roasted notes contrast the cider's acidity for a refreshing dark hybrid.
• Beer Cocktail with Cold Brew: A short pour of cold-brew coffee concentrate alongside Eleanor doubles down on the espresso character for a brunch-worthy sipper.

Best For

• Introducing craft beer drinkers to the American porter style
• Cool-weather evening sessions by a fire pit
• Pairing with a backyard barbecue featuring smoked meats
• Gifting to a fan of dark beers who hasn't explored Midwest craft breweries

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pollyanna Porter taste like? Eleanor delivers bold dark chocolate and espresso up front, supported by caramelized raisin, toffee sweetness, and a moderate hop bitterness that keeps it balanced. It drinks rich but not heavy, with a roasty, slightly dry finish.

How does Pollyanna Porter compare to Guinness Draught? Guinness Draught is a dry stout at 4.2% ABV with a thinner, creamier body driven by roasted barley, while Eleanor is a fuller-bodied American porter at 6.8% ABV with significantly more chocolate and caramel malt sweetness. Eleanor packs more intensity and malt complexity, whereas Guinness emphasizes drinkability and dry roast.

Is Pollyanna Porter good for sipping neat? Yes — its layered malt profile of chocolate, espresso, and caramel is built to reward straight pours at cellar temperature. The 6.8% ABV provides enough body without overwhelming heat.

Where is Pollyanna Porter made? Eleanor is brewed by Pollyanna Brewing Company in Lemont, Illinois, located in the southwest suburbs of Chicago. The brewery sources its ingredients from multiple international origins, including Belgian caramel malts, American chocolate malts, German hops, and English yeast.

What foods pair well with Pollyanna Porter? Smoked brisket or pulled pork, where the beer's roast character complements the char; sharp aged cheddar, which cuts through the malt sweetness; chocolate brownies or flourless chocolate cake, which echo the porter's cocoa notes; grilled portobello mushrooms, whose earthiness pairs naturally with the dark malt; and coffee-rubbed steak, reinforcing Eleanor's espresso backbone.

What sizes does Pollyanna Porter come in? The standard retail format is a four-pack of cans, which is the most widely available configuration from Pollyanna Brewing.

Is Pollyanna Porter worth the price? Eleanor positions as a solid mid-range craft porter — priced competitively within the Midwest craft four-pack tier while delivering a grain bill and ingredient sourcing that punch above typical expectations for the category.

Why Pollyanna Porter?

What sets Eleanor apart from the crowded American porter field is Pollyanna Brewing's deliberate decision to pull ingredients from four distinct brewing traditions — Belgian malts for caramel depth, American malts for chocolate roast, German hops for clean bitterness, and English yeast for fermentation character. The result is a porter with unusual depth that avoids the one-note roastiness common in the style. At 6.8% ABV with a balanced 35 IBUs, it occupies a sweet spot between session-friendly dark ales and heavy imperial stouts. For drinkers who want a flavorful, complex porter without the boozy weight, Eleanor makes a compelling case as a go-to dark beer.