The 1861 Keeping Porter stems from the 1861 Running Porter that Orbit brewed together with Anspach & Hobday back in the spring of 2022. The brewers kept back the final barrel of Running Porter to be aged in oak barrels with a house blend of Brettanomyces, to be revisited at a later date. The 1861 Keeping Porter is part of Orbit Beers’ barrel-aged Digger’s Series range.

The ageing process has produced a smooth, luxurious, walnut and crimson-coloured beer, reminiscent of a burgundy red with a complex, balsamic acidity. Aromas of cocoa, oak, vanilla, leather, and tobacco, with the malt profile developing a chocolatey sweetness and bitter finish, alongside rich flavours of figs and malted biscuits.