Pattinson explains: “XXXXK was part of a range of ales which Truman, one of London’s classic porter breweries, started to brew in the 1830s. There were two parallel lines of X ales, mild and stock, with the latter being signified by a K suffix. The only difference between the two was the level of hopping, which was considerably higher in stock versions—logical, as they would need the protection of extra hops during their prolonged ageing. A beer of this strength would probably have had at least a two-year secondary Brettanomyces fermentation.”
For many more recipes based on Pattinson’s historical research, check out The Homebrewer’s Guide to Vintage Beer, published by Quarry Books, as well as his self-published books and long-running blog, Shut Up About Barclay Perkins.
ALL-GRAIN