Contrary to popular myth English export beers were not necessarily made any strong than regular beers in order to ensure they survived the rigours of sea travel.
They were made with more hops and this beer from a Barclay Perkins recipe from 1805 is a fascinating example. At only 4.8% this was a weak beer for the period, but, boy is it hoppy, 3.6 pounds of hops per barrel to be precise. This beer needs a degree of maturation to soften the bitterness. A sea journey to India should just about do it.
Brown Porter
ABV:
4.80%
Florence Brewery
London, United Kingdom