Don I like those types of beer/ale in winter sipped slowly at room temperature. Really warms the bones!
Gene thanks for reminding me that some beers are better warmer. I am so used to cold beer I forgot. I am now sipping on one of the Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Stouts at room temp, the flavors really smoothes out, tastes a little like caramel coffee to me. At 8% alcohol no wonder it just comes as a 4 pack, you don't want to drink too many unless you're inclined to get snockered!
I always thought porter and stout were just two different beers. I looked it up and found their history is intertwined. It was probably porter first and then they started making porter, bold porter and stout porter that was later shortened to just stout. Don