Kernel (The Kernel) A London Porter

Tasting Summary

These comments are the opinion of the individual reviewer and represent what they thought of the beer on a particular day in a particular pub. If a review is less favourable, it may be because the beer suffered somewhere in the supply chain between them and the brewery.

19th Bexley Beer Festival 2026, Bexley, Greater London

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		08 May 2026	9th beer of the festival visit: Good head and lasting lacing on this porter from the Kernel Brewery set up in 2009 inside a small railway arch on Druid Street in Bermondsey, South London, before relocating to a larger archway nearby on Dockley Road and operating a taproom venue on Spa Road. A dry bitter first hit on this jet-black porter crafted emulating historic London brewing traditions. A maltiness rising, comprising Brown Malt, balanced with Black Malt added to the boil, alongside traditional Maris Otter, Chocolate, and Crystal malts. A parade across my taste buds of chocolate and cocoa notes accompanied by dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and dates. A dry bitterness predominating aided by being exclusively brewed with East Kent Goldings, a British whole-leaf hop, and also behind secreting a bready pumpernickel, which is a heavy, slightly sweet rye bread that originated in Germany made from coarsely ground whole rye berries and rye flour, and a subtle spiciness on top. Its slide downwards was accompanied by an expresso coffee finish alongside hints of leather, tar and tobacco. Perfectly palatable nevertheless for my choosy taste buddy or two and served in top condition.

The Royston, Broadstairs, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Dosser		30 Apr 2026	Lovely dark un.

Gadds' Beer Shop & Taproom, Broadstairs, Kent

Who	Score	When	Notes
Hogan Sampling		19 Apr 2025	Very good head and lacing on this guest beer from the Kernel Brewery in London. It all began in September 2009 in a small arch on Druid Street, Bermondsey. A very dry maltiness in the first hit. A burnt oaty mouthfeel then came to the fore with smoke, leather and tar in the flavour. Hints of dried fruit, as in raisins, prunes and dates, presented themselves and mixed in with chocolate, coffee and cocoa flavourings. There was a subtle dry hoppiness then lingering. According to Kernel, it is based on a recipe from Whitbread’s Brewery and dated 1896.